Six Nations 2014: Wales pair Jonathan Davies and Alun Wyn Jones return for England clash
Wales have recalled Jonathan Davies and Alun Wyn Jones for the clash with England at Twickenham on Sunday.
The pair have recovered from injuries to bolster a team chasing a record third successive Six Nations title. Jones missed the win over France due to a foot problem while Davies has just returned to action after suffering a chest muscle injury in the autumn Tests.
Both men helped the Lions triumph in Australia last summer with lock Jones captaining the side in the decisive Third Test while centre Davies was controversially selected ahead of Ireland’s Brian O’Driscoll for that match.
Their return sees George North revert to his normal wing position from centre while Jake Ball drops out to allow Jones to feature at the heart of a pack that bullied England to a 30-3 defeat in Cardiff last season. Wing Liam Williams joins Ball on the replacements bench.
Jones had to pull out of the Wales team on the eve of their win over France with a foot infection but has recovered in time to provide the Welsh pack with a world-class forward.
“It’s great to have both Jon and Alun Wyn available and they come into a very experienced side,” said head coach Warren Gatland. “Jon came through the match well [for Scarlets] at the weekend and he is ready to go.”
Rhys Webb and Rhys Priestland continue their partnership at half‑back which means scrum-half Mike Phillips has to be content with a place on the bench.
Gatland added: “We were happy with the response and performance against France but we know we will have to raise it another level on Sunday.”
Meanwhile, Wallabies flanker David Pocock has had his second knee reconstruction in 12 months, ending his Super Rugby season after just two games.
