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Wales Online
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Dylan James

Wales v England kick-off time and TV channel today

Wales and England will lock horns in the Six Nations on Saturday as both sides look to overcome bumpy starts to their campaigns under new coaches.

Warren Gatland, who has returned for his second spell in charge, has made nine changes to the starting line-up for the fixture as Wales go in search of their first win of the 2023 Six Nations, having lost their first two games: 34-10 against Ireland and 35-7 to Scotland.

Meanwhile, England's are on a quest to claim a maiden away win under new head coach Steve Borthwick, and a first victory at the Principality Stadium since 2017. England were downed by the Scots 29-23 in round one before bouncing back against Italy 31-14 in round two.

This fixture was only given the green light to go ahead after the threat of a Wales players' strike was averted less than 72 hours before kick-off, with off-field issues around contracts and Welsh rugby's finances having dominated the build-up. It remains to be seen just how much of an impact the off-field turbulence will have on Wales players.

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Here's everything you need to know about the match:

What time is Wales v England kick-off?

Wales v England will kick off at 4.45pm on Saturday, February 25, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

What TV channel is Wales v England on?

Wales v England will be broadcast live on BBC One and S4C. You can also live stream the game on BBC IPlayer or S4C Clic.

What's the team news?

Warren Gatland has made nine changes to the side that lost to Scotland, with a new cap for outside centre Mason Grady, the 6ft 5in 20-year-old midfield man for Cardiff and younger brother of Wales international Cory Allen.

Owen Williams starts at fly-half ahead of Dan Biggar, who drops to the bench. Louis Rees-Zammit returns to start on the wing opposite Josh Adams, and Leigh Halfpenny is given the nod at full-back. Alun Wyn Jones returns to the starting side, while Christ Tshiunza, Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau combine in the back-row.

There is no place for Liam Williams, George North, Rio Dyer, Jac Morgan or Rhys Webb in the matchday 23.

In contrast, England boss Borthwick has made just one change to his starting line-up, with Anthony Watson coming in on the wing for the injured Ollie Hassell-Collins.

There is no place for Marcus Smith in the starting team again. Owen Farrell starred at No. 10 in round two, and the captain retains that role for this game.. He's partnered by Jack van Poortvliet at half-back.

Jack Willis, Alex Dombrandt and Lewis Ludlam start again to form a formidable back row. Courtney Lawes and Ben Curry are included amongst the replacements.

POLL: Who will win Wales v England in the Six Nations? Have your say below or right here

Wales: 15. Leigh Halfpenny, 14. Josh Adams, 13. Mason Grady, 12. Joe Hawkins, 11. Louis-Rees Zammit, 10. Owen Williams, 9. Tomos Williams, 1. Gareth Thomas, 2. Ken Owens (capt), 3. Tomas Francis, 4. Adam Beard, 5. Alun Wyn Jones, 6. Christ Tshiunza, 7. Justin Tipuric, 8. Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: 16. Bradley Roberts, 17. Rhys Carre, 18. Dillon Lewis, 19. Dafydd Jenkins, 20. Tommy Reffell, 21. Kieran Hardy, 22. Dan Biggar, 23. Nick Tompkins.

England: 15. Freddie Steward, 14. Max Malins, 13. Henry Slade, 12. Ollie Lawrence, 11. Anthony Watson, 10. Owen Farrell (capt), 9. Jack van Poortvliet, 1. Ellis Genge, 2. Jamie George, 3. Kyle Sinckler, 4. Maro Itoje, 5. Ollie Chessum, 6. Lewis Ludlam, 7. Jack Willis, 8. Alex Dombrandt.

Replacements: 16. Jack Walker, 17. Mako Vunipola, 18. Dan Cole, 19. Courtney Lawes, 20. Ben Curry, 21. Alex Mitchell, 22. Marcus Smith, 23. Henry Arundell.

Who is the Wales v England referee?

Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)

Assistant referees: Andrew Brace (Ireland) and Pierre Brousset (France)

TMO: Brian MacNeice (Ireland)

What have the coaches said?

Wales head coach Warren Gatland: "The message to the players has been let’s draw a line in the sand in terms of what’s been going on and focus completely on the rugby. We know the history of Wales and England; what that means to everyone in Wales, so we’ve got to go out there and give a good performance.

"For both teams this is a massive game because we win on Saturday and we can get things on track a little bit more. For England it’s a huge game because if you look at their final two games that’s a challenge too, so it’s a huge moment in this competition."

England head coach Steve Borthwick: "Wales v England in Cardiff is one of the iconic rugby fixtures, steeped in history and always full of passion. We know the Principality Stadium crowd will be in full voice and we will have to be at our very best to repeat the success we had in the last round against Italy.

"I have selected a team that I think has the right players and balance to meet the particular challenges we will face this weekend. I am delighted to have welcomed Courtney Lawes back to the squad after injury. His quality and experience has contributed to a focused training week, marked by the sort of competition and intensity we expect. I could not have asked any more from all the players and there is no doubt that they can’t wait to be a part of this special occasion."

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