Watson on the wing, Lawes on bench as England face revamped Wales

BAGSHOT, England :Anthony Watson will make his first start for England in two years after being named on the wing for Saturday's Six Nations game against Wales in Cardiff, the only change from the side that beat Italy two weeks ago.

In the team announced by coach Steve Borthwick on Thursday, Watson replaces injured Ollie Hassell-Collins on the left wing. Max Malins continues on the right with Henry Arundell edging out Cadan Murley for back three cover on the bench.

Former captain Courtney Lawes and Ben Curry are also among the replacements.

It will be the classy Watson’s first start since the Six Nations in 2021, the year he also appeared twice for the British & Irish Lions against South Africa.

He made a late replacement appearance in the opening Six Nations game against Scotland earlier this month but was not involved in the Italy win.

Watson, who turns 29 on Sunday, missed almost a year with a knee issue and has had several other injury setbacks. He kick-started his career after moving from Bath to Leicester this season - when Borthwick was coach at Welford Road.

"I was fortunate to be part of the coaching team here a few years ago when Anthony was playing so well and then he had a couple of setbacks," Borthwick told reporters.

"Then I signed him in club rugby and from the day we walked in he was magnificent. His professionalism, the way he prepared himself, the way he helped the younger players, how much he cares as a professional.

"He adds to the mix in those outside backs where we are starting to build competition for places and depth."

CALM LAWES

Lawes, 34 on Thursday, has played only a handful of games for his club Northampton after a succession of concussion and injury problems and won the last of his 96 England caps in