Owen Farrell will captain a potent England team to face Wales at Twickenham on Saturday, with Henry Arundell starting on the wing.
Saracens star Farrell will make his first appearance of England’s Rugby World Cup warm-up run, having been rested for last weekend’s 20-9 defeat in Cardiff.
Former London Irish flier Arundell has been handed his big chance, as England seek to ramp up their fluency, rhythm and finishing power.
Arundell made his full Test debut in England’s 29-16 Six Nations defeat by Ireland in Dublin and the 20-year-old will win his eighth cap on Saturday, heading out onto the Twickenham turf with the express intention of boosting the hosts’ attacking prowess.
Arundell has recovered from London Irish’s administration to secure a playing contract with French giants Racing 92 after the World Cup. He burst onto the international scene by scoring a wonder try with his first touch in Test rugby in the 30-28 defeat to Australia in July 2022.
England have made 11 changes in all from the side that lost to Wales in Cardiff last weekend.
Joe Marler and Jamie George slot in alongside Will Stuart in the front-row, while Maro Itoje partners George Martin at lock.
Courtney Lawes takes a welcome role at blindside flanker, the vice-captain keen to prove his full sharpness for the World Cup after injury issues last term.
Ben Earl starts at openside, slotting in next to No48 and Saracens club-mate Billy Vunipola, who has recovered from knee surgery in April.
Ollie Lawrence and Joe Marchant pair up in the centres, while Elliot Daly takes the left wing berth, with Freddie Steward continuing at full-back.
Jonny Hill takes a seat on the bench to cover at lock, the Sale second row omitted from the World Cup squad but having stayed with England this week due to injuries to Ollie Chessum and David Ribbans.
Ellis Genge will win his 50th cap off the bench, with England determined to hit back after defeat last weekend.
“We’re delighted for Ellis, he’s a brilliant professional, both on and off the field, and I’m sure Saturday will be a very proud moment for him and his family,” said Borthwick.
“Jonny Hill has trained with us throughout the week, and I am pleased to be able to name him in the match day 23. I have no doubt he will provide a big impact for us off the bench”.
England team to face Wales: F Steward; H Arundell, J Marchant, O Lawrence, E Daly; O Farrell, J Van Poortvliet; J Marler, J George, W Stuart; M Itoje, G Martin; C Lawes, B Earl, B Vunipola. Replacements: T Dan, E Genge, D Cole, J Hill, J Willis, B Youngs, G Ford, M Malins
