Rugby round-up: Sam Warburton returns to captain Wales against England

Sam Warburton

The man who inspired Wales to the semi-final of the World Cup, Sam Warburton, will return to captain his side against England at Twickenham as they bid to win a third Six Nations match in a row and clinch the Triple Crown.

Warburton missed the second win over Scotland in Cardiff after sustaining a dead leg in the first game with Ireland, and he had been a doubt to return until Tuesday. Warburton returned to full training and suffered no collateral effects and will start at No.8 on Saturday with Wales and England joint top of the Six Nations table.

The skipper’s return will be a massive boost for Warren Gatland’s side in their bid to win a first Six Nations since 2008 and a Grand Slam. And so too will be the return of lock Alun Wyn Jones who has not played at all in the tournament because of a dislocated toe, meaning Ospreys teammate Ryan Jones drops to the bench.

Gatland is very early to name his side for the match in London, with three days of training left for further niggles to crop up but he will make a third change too, with hooker Ken Owens making his first Wales start because of calf injuries to Matthew Rees and Huw Bennett. Richard Hibbard is called up as cover for the first time.

Speaking at a press conference, Gatland said: “A fit again Alun Wyn Jones is selected based on his Rugby World Cup form and his experience as an international lock. 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.

“Ken Owens has been waiting patiently for his chance and whilst injuries elsewhere have meant he gets his opportunity this weekend we are expecting him to take it.”

"There is definitely not that fear factor now [with England]," Gatland added. “If we go there with our heads right and get some quality ball, we have got a good chance. We are not afraid of going to Twickenham now, we are excited about it.

“I expect England might have the attitude that if they can get four penalties, a try and conversion and get 19 points, and they can squeeze us, that might be enough.”

Both Declan Kidney and Philippe Saint-Andre will keep the same XV for Ireland’s match with Italy and France’s trip to Murrayfield for Scotland respectively, but Glasgow Warriors stand-off Ruaridh Jackson has been added to the Scots by Andy Robinson.

Jackson missed the opening losses with England and Wales because of a hamstring strain but should take the place of Greig Laidlaw, despite the youngster impressing in his debut after Dan Parks retired from international rugby.

Lyall Thomas

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