Picking Combined England and Wales Squad Ahead of Twickenham Rematch

4. Maro Itoje (England and Saracens)

On his day, Itoje is as good as any lock in world rugby. The Saracen boasts a proven track record of success, in the Premiership, Champions Cup, and on the international stage in the Six Nations. Despite performing under his high expectations in the latest Six Nations, Itoje rallied back for the closing matches of the competition, and looks to be on track to hit top gear ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

5. Adam Beard (Wales and Ospreys)

Similar to the hooker position, Wales find themselves at a loss in the row following the recent withdrawal of legendary lock Alun Wyn Jones. The most experienced lock duo remaining in Gatland’s side is the Will Rowlands and Adam Beard combination, with Beard hailed as the heir to Alun Wyn. Beard gets our pick to pack down the row with Itoje, after stunning performances in the 2022 Six Nations ignited his maintained fanfare.

BACK ROW

6. Courtney Lawes (England and Northampton Saints)

Despite Courtney Lawes’ versatility across the locks, Steve Borthwick has made it abundantly clear in his Rugby World Cup squad, that he will be utilising the Northampton Saints man as a back-rower. We’ve picked Lawes to slot in on the blindside for this Anglo-Welsh XV, with England teammate Lewis Ludlam in close contention. Wales’ best offering for the blindside comes in hard-hitting veteran Dan Lydiate, yet Lawes getting our approval to run out in the six jersey.

7. Jack Willis (England and Toulouse)

Despite his brother Tom not making the cut for Steve Borthwick’s Rugby World Cup squad, Jack Willis has muscled his way into the set-up, along with our Anglo-Welsh XV. The international retirement of Wales stalwart Justin Tipuric has opened up an immense vacancy on the Welsh openside flank, which Jac Morgan is stepping up tallest to fill. Willis gets our pick after shining in the Top 14 with Toulouse, and is a man England fans are excited to see run out in his adopted home country of France.

8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales and Cardiff)

Taulupe Faletau was almost written out of contention for this combined squad due to injury, however recent reports have stated that Warren Gatland is backing Faletau to be fit for the Rugby World Cup. The Cardiff back row is a colossal presence around the park, and leads our Anglo-Welsh pecking order, ahead of his cousin Billy Vunipola, and Wales teammate Aaron Wainwright. Borthwick has not selected another specialist number eight besides Vunipola, with Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Lawes, Willis and Ludlam making up the remaining back-row contingency.

REPLACEMENTS (4-4 Split)

16. Joe Marler (England and Harlequins)

17. Dewi Lake (Wales and Ospreys)

18. Ollie Chessum (England and Leicester Tigers)

19. Jac Morgan (Wales and Ospreys)

20. Ben Youngs (England and Leicester Tigers)

21. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales and Scarlets)

22. Marcus Smith (England and Harlequins)

23. Liam Williams (Wales and Kubota Spears)

STAND BYE PLAYERS

24. Christ Tshiunza (Wales and Exeter Chiefs)

25. Nick Tompkins (Wales and Saracens)

26. George Ford (England and Sale Sharks)