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Here is Ugo Monye’s column on today’s game:
If any fans are confused as to why Maro Itoje is on the bench, he was absent for part of the training camp after the sad news of his mother’s death.
Here’s a trivia fact for you, Wales have not won at Twickenham in the Six Nations since 2012.
France coach Fabien Galthié named nine uncapped players in a 42-man squad on Saturday for their second Six Nations encounter against Wales next week, while flyhalf Romain Ntamack and Damian Penaud remained out for different reasons. Ntamack, who was previously sidelined for a kidney concern, revealed a muscle injury on his social media. Matthieu Jalibert will likely retain the No 10 shirt for a second consecutive match following his brilliant display during the 36-14 opening win over Ireland on Thursday.
Centre Kalvin Gourgues, who earned his second international cap on Thursday, has been replaced by Emilien Gailleton. Lock Thibaud Flament and third row Paul Boudehent are back in the squad after missing the Six Nations opener.
Among the nine uncapped players, flyhalf Axel Desperes has been called up for the first time.France’s all-time leading try-scorer Penaud, former captain Gregory Alldritt and centurion centre Gael Fickou remained out of the squad. Their omissions confirmed the clear shift in Galthie’s selection strategy. Reuters.
Wales fans do you need a jolt of hope? Rob Kitson has you covered:
Alan Dickens will leave his role as Newcastle Red Bulls head coach at the end of the season, the Gallagher Prem club have announced. Dickens joined the club in the summer of 2024 and was appointed head coach in October last year following the departure of Steve Diamond. In a statement on the club website, Dickens said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Newcastle and remain fully committed for the remainder of my contract. It’s no secret there have been some difficult times up here, but the people have been incredible and it has been a hugely fulfilling experience.It’s a very exciting time for the club with everything going on under the new ownership, and I mean it when I say I wish them every success for the future.”
On Thursday, the Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend dismissed claims he has been primed to take over at Newcastle as an attempt to “disrupt” his team before the Six Nations. PA Media
You can catch the rest of the action between Italy and Scotland, which Italy are leading 18-10, here:
Team news
England had to make a late change to their team after announcing on Monday. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso suffered a hamstring injury and so Tom Roebuck comes in on the wing. Regular England captain Maro Itoje is on the bench and so Jamie George will be the skipper until Itoje enters the fray.
England: Steward; Roebuck, Freeman, Dingwall, Arundell; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, George, Heyes; Coles, Chessum; Pepper, Underhill, Earl
Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Rodd, Davison, Itoje, T Curry, Pollock, Spencer, M Smith
For Wales Louis Rees-Zammit will play his first Six Nations game in three years after trying his hand in the NFL. He starts at full-back. Skipper Jac Morgan remains out after dislocating his shoulder in the autumn and so Dewi Lake will captain the side.
Wales: Rees-Zammit; Mee, James, B Thomas, Adams; Edwards, T Williams; Smith, Lake (capt), Griffin, D Jenkins, Beard, Mann, Macleod, Wainwright.
Replacements: Belcher, Carre, T Francis, Carter, Plumtree, Deaves, Hardy, Grady.
Preamble
Hello and welcome to England hosting Wales in the Six Nations. This rivalry is a fierce one and in years gone by there have been some tantalising battles to behold. However, with Wales’ current form England will be huge favourites to run away with a win.
Wales did break their losing run in 2025 but they have only managed to defeat Japan. They suffered heavy losses to the likes of South Africa and New Zealand in the autumn and many will be thinking they will come bottom of the Six Nations come the end of the tournament.
England, however, are on a winning run as they were victorious in their last 11 matches. Steve Borthwick is building something and the so-called ‘Pom Squad’ are a big part of that. It sees many big names, like Henry Pollock, start from the bench to have a huge impact in the second half.
Speaking of team news, both have announced already and so stay tuned for updates.
