England v Wales: What you need to know before kick off

  • Wales

What time does it kick off?Wales take on England tonight at Twickenham at 8pm.

Where can I watch it?Our live match coverage starts at 7:15pm when Fran Donovan will be joined in the studio by former Wales players Mike Hall and Dafydd James and ex-England coach Brian Ashton.You can also follow the match live on the ITV Rugby World Cup app.

Why does it matter so much?The last three times Wales have faced England they’ve lost two (Wales 16-21 England/England 29-18 Wales) and won one (Wales 30-3 England). The last time they met in the Rugby World Cup was in the 2003 quarter finals where they lost 28-17.

Since England last met in the Rugby World Cup they've played 15 times - England 8 - 7 Wales. Credit: WRU

The rivalry between Wales and the ‘old enemy’ has gone on for years and tonight will be one of the highlights of the tournament for fans on both sides.

Whichever team wins, they still have to face Australia to get out of the so-called Group of Death.

Read more: Who are Wales’s opponents in the Group of Death?

Both England and Wales secured bonus points in their opening games by scoring four or more tries. Only two sides can make it through to the quarter finals, so every game really counts.

Sam Burgess will square up to Jamie Roberts at centre. Credit: PA

Who are the players to look out for?Wales have once again been boosted by the return of Liam Williams, whose fitness was in doubt for a while following last weekend’s Uruguay game.

Gethin Jenkins - the world’s most-capped prop - will run out in this 16th game in the tournament. Hallam Amos also starts after making his debut in the tournament last week.

England have opted to play Owen Farrell instead of George Ford and Rugby League convert Sam Burgess partners Brad Barritt in the centre to face Jamie Roberts and Scott Williams.

Read more: Burgess v Roberts: head to head

Wales teamLiam Williams, George North, Scott Williams, Jamie Roberts, Hallam Amos, Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies, Gethin Jenkins, Scott Baldwin, Tomas Francis, Bradley Davies, Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton (Capt), Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: Ken Owens, Aaron Jarvis, Samson Lee, Luke Charteris, Justin Tipuric, Lloyd Williams, Rhys Priestland, Alex Cuthbert.

England teamMike Brown, Anthony Watson, Brad Barritt, Sam Burgess, Jonny May, Owen Farrell, Ben Youngs, Joe Marler, Tom Youngs, Dan Cole, Geoff Parling, Courtney Lawes, Tom Wood, Chris Robshaw (Capt), Billy Vunipola.

Replacements: Rob Webber, Mako Vunipola, Kieran Brookes, Joe Launchbury, James Haskell, Richard Wigglesworth, George Ford, Alex Goode.