Lydiate to lead Wales against England

Omnisports

May 27, 2016 10:28 AM

Dan Lydiate will captain Wales against England, while Alun Wyn Jones and Scott Williams return to the starting line-up for Sunday's clash at Twickenham.

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Dan Lydiate will captain Wales against England, while Alun Wyn Jones and Scott Williams return to the starting line-up for Sunday's clash at Twickenham.

Flanker Lydiate led Wales out in their record 67-14 Six Nations thumping of Italy in March and will skipper his country again in the absence of the injured Sam Warburton, who has a shoulder injury.

Jones has been sidelined since the Six Nations after being troubled by injuries to both feet, but makes his comeback against the Grand Slam winners as Wales prepare for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.

Centre Williams returns to partner Jamie Roberts for his first international appearance since suffering a knee injury against England during the World Cup at the same stadium.

Ospreys duo Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar again get the nod at half-back, with George North, Hallam Amos and Liam Williams also starting.

"When you look at the summer series ahead, this is a really important match for the squad," said Wales head coach Gatland. "When looking at previous summer tours and planning for New Zealand, we felt we needed greater preparation to prepare us for the step up in intensity and the match against England will provide that for us. "It will be an important hit-out for both teams and as ever it will be an important Test match as it's England v Wales at Twickenham.

"There is a lot of continuity in our squad and a great amount of experience and that is going to be vital over the next five weeks. Dan led us exceptionally well in our last match so deserves to continue with those duties this weekend."

Wales team:

Liam Williams, George North, Scott Williams, Jamie Roberts, Hallam Amos, Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb, Rob Evans, Scott Baldwin, Samson Lee, Jake Ball, Alun Wyn Jones, Ross Moriarty, Dan Lydiate, Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: Kristian Dacey, Gethin Jenkins, Rhodri Jones, Josh Turnbull, James King, Lloyd Williams, Rhys Priestland, Gareth Anscombe.

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