England spring surprise as Randall starts ahead of Youngs against Wales

Eddie Jones has handed the returning Courtney Lawes the England captaincy against Wales but left Ben Youngs – who is in line for his record-breaking 115th cap – on the bench with Harry Randall continuing at scrum-half.

Lawes comes straight back into the side at blindside flanker, having been sidelined with a head injury since mid-January, and resumes the captaincy from Tom Curry. The 33-year-old was named captain last autumn against Tonga and South Africa with Owen Farrell unavailable and though he has not been able to play in either of England’s matches against Scotland or Italy so far this Six Nations, Jones has made a point of keeping him around the squad.

As reported by the Guardian, Manu Tuilagi is also back in the side following a hamstring injury but Jones’s decision to leave Youngs among the replacements on such a landmark occasion is a considerable surprise. Randall impressed against Italy last time out, making only his third start, and his fledgling partnership with Marcus Smith has evidently impressed Jones. His selection is a signal of intent from Jones given the tempo that Randall brings with Youngs having to surpass Jason Leonard’s caps record from the bench.

Tuilagi, meanwhile, comes in at inside-centre with Henry Slade moving to No13 in a mouthwatering midfield combination with Max Malins and Jack Nowell – who lasted only 16 minutes against Italy before he was withdrawn with a head injury – on the wings. Tuilagi has not appeared in the Six Nations since England edged past Wales two years ago – a match in which he was sent off in the closing stages but his return is a welcome boost for Jones. Freddie Steward continues at fullback.

In the pack, Alex Dombrandt keeps his place at No8 ahead of Sam Simmonds