Wales’ Davies back for Twickenham clash

Centre Jonathan Davies has been named in the Wales team to play England in the Six Nations at Twickenham on Sunday after four months out through injury.

Davies last appeared for his country in a 24-15 loss to South Africa in November, during which he was forced off with a torn pectoral muscle, but returns to renew his midfield partnership with Jamie Roberts.

In the only other change to the Welsh starting XV, Alun Wyn Jones returns to the second row after sitting out the 27-6 defeat of France on February 21 with a foot infection.

“It’s great to have both Jon and Alun Wyn back and available and they come into a very experienced side,” said Wales coach Warren Gatland on Wednesday.

“Jon came through the match (Scarlets’ 18-13 win over Munster) well at the weekend and he is ready to go.”

Jones’s inclusion means that lock Jake Ball drops to the bench, while Davies’s return sees George North revert to the wing, with back Liam Williams losing his place in the team.

Along with Ireland and France, England and Wales are level on four points ahead of Sunday’s game, which will be the 125th meeting between the teams.

With England gunning to avenge a record 30-3 loss in Cardiff a year ago that enabled Wales to claim the 2013 title, Gatland has warned his players to expect a furious onslaught from Stuart Lancaster’s men.

“We were happy with the response and performance against France, but we know we will have to raise it another level on Sunday,” he said.

“We are really looking forward to going up to Twickenham. England have performed well so far and it’s set up to be a great game with all to play for.”

The Wales line-up features 11 of the players who started in last year’s contest at the Millennium Stadium, with scrum-half Rhys Webb, fly-half Rhys Priestland, lock Luke Charteris and flanker Dan Lydiate the only additions.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster is due to name his team for the match on Friday.

WALES (15-1)

Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North; Rhys Priestland, Rhys Webb; Taulupe Faletau, Sam Warburton (capt), Dan Lydiate; Alun Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris; Adam Jones, Richard Hibbard, Gethin Jenkins

Replacements: Ken Owens, Paul James, Rhodri Jones, Jake Ball, Justin Tipuric, Mike Phillips, Dan Biggar, Liam Williams

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