Fit-again Warburton back for Wales against England
Updated: February 22, 2012, 13:33
CARDIFF, Wales (AP) Wales recalled its captain and first-choice lock Sam Warburton from injury on Tuesday in making three changes for the Six Nations match against fierce rival England at Twickenham on Saturday.
Flanker Warburton regained the armband after missing the 27-13 victory over Scotland on Feb. 12 because of a thigh problem, returning to the team in place of Aaron Shingler.
Alun-Wyn Jones, back from a toe injury, was preferred to Ryan Jones in the second row and Ken Owens will make his first start for the Welsh instead of injured hooker Huw Bennett (calf).
George North has overcome an ankle injury and will start on the wing in an unchanged back division.
Wales opened the northern hemisphere competition with a 23-21 win in Ireland and is bidding for only a second win at Twickenham since 1988 to clinch the Triple Crown of the home nations for the 20th time and stay on course for the grand slam.
The return of Alun-Wyn Jones, who will win his 60th test cap, bolsters a second row that is still missing Bradley Davies.
"A fit-again Alun-Wyn Jones is selected based on his Rugby World Cup form and his experience as an international lock," Wales coach Warren Gatland. "He gave us a selection dilemma but it has been a great problem to have and, whilst Ryan Jones is particularly unlucky to miss out on this occasion, this is just that kind of competition for places we have been striving for."
Hookers Huw Bennett and Matthew Rees remain out injured but Wales' injury problems are slowly clearing up.
---
Team: Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North, Rhys Priestland, Michael Phillips; Toby Faletau, Sam Warburton, Dan Lydiate, Ian Evans, Alun-Wyn Jones, Adam Jones, Ken Owens, Gethin Jenkins. Replacements: Richard Hibbard, Paul James, Ryan Jones, Justin Tipuric, Lloyd Williams, James Hook, Scott Williams.
Updated February 21, 2012
