England’s Marcus Smith returns as Freeman starts at centre

Men’s Six Nations: Wales v England

Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff Date: Saturday, 15 March Kick-off: 16: 45 GMT

Marcus Smith returns to England’s starting XV at full-back and Tommy Freeman moves to outside centre for the Six Nations finale against Wales at the Principality Stadium.

Smith is reinstated at 15 after missing out on a starting berth in England’s comfortable win over Italy and Freeman, who has made all 19 of his Test appearances on the wing, steps into midfield to replace the injured Ollie Lawrence for Saturday’s trip to Cardiff.

In a reshuffle to the backline, Elliot Daly moves to the wing, while Tom Roebuck replaces Ollie Sleightholme on the other.

Head coach Steve Borthwick makes two changes in the forwards as Ben Curry partners his twin Tom on the flank, with Ben Earl switching back to number eight, while Luke Cowan-Dickie will start at hooker.

In the front row, prop Will Stuart will win his 50th Test cap.

England remain in contention to win the title and face a Wales side in search of their first Test win since October 2023.

The visitors have opted for a six-two spilt of forwards and backs among their replacements and promising young back row Henry Pollock could make his Test debut from the bench.

England are expecting a hostile environment in front of Wales ‘ vociferous home support at the Principality – a venue Borthwick says is one of the “most iconic” in the sport.

“The atmosphere will be electric, and we know we’ll need to be at our very best to get the result we’re aiming for”, said Borthwick.

On Stuart’s milestone, Borthwick added: “Reaching 50 caps is a well-deserved milestone for Will and a testament to the hard work he’s shown throughout his career.

England will win the Six Nations if they beat Wales with the bonus point and France then fail to beat Scotland in the final game of the championship in Paris (20: 00 GMT).

A victory without the bonus may also be enough for Borthwick’s side if France fail to win without a try-scoring bonus, while a draw or defeat could deliver a first title in five years if France and Ireland both lose without claiming bonus points.

Wales are rooted to the foot of the table and looking to avoid the Wooden Spoon – awarded to the side that finishes bottom – for a second year running.