England and Wales are gearing up for the Rugby World Cup with a series of warm-up matches. Wales secured a strong victory against England in Cardiff last weekend, and England have since named their final World Cup squad in hopes of building cohesion over the next few weeks. In recognition of the need to build winning momentum, England has opted for a close to full-strength side for their match at Twickenham. Wales, on the other hand, has freshened up their starting fifteen with an entirely new lineup, ready to press for places in their World Cup selection.
One of the main talking points ahead of the match is the fitness of Wales’ Taulupe Faletau. The number eight has won 100 caps for Wales but is currently recovering from a calf muscle injury and will play no part in the warm-up matches. However, coach Warren Gatland is confident that Faletau will be available for selection in the World Cup.
England player Owen Farrell has praised his Saracen teammate Ben Earl, who will be starting for England for the first time. Farrell describes Earl as a brilliant player and is excited to see him perform on Saturday. Farrell also commented on the team’s preparations for the World Cup, stating that they still have a lot of work to do but are excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.
Last week’s match between England and Wales left England reeling, as they put in a dismal display and were defeated by Wales. This loss has put pressure on England coach Steve Borthwick as he prepares to name his World Cup squad. However, there were some standout performances from players such as Marcus Smith and Alex Dombrandt.
Looking ahead to the Rugby World Cup, France will host the tournament starting on September 8. The draw for the tournament has created intrigue, as teams other than the favorites have the potential to go further than expected. Chile will be making their tournament debut, while Portugal is set to return to the World Cup after a 16-year absence.
In conclusion, both England and Wales are focusing on their preparations for the Rugby World Cup. Wales’ victory last week has given them confidence, while England is hoping to bounce back with a strong performance. The fitness of key players and the selection of the final World Cup squads will be crucial factors in determining the success of both teams in the tournament.