Launchbury and Marler to start in England’s Six Nations decider

FORMER Worthing Raiders Joe Launchbury and Joe Marler will both start for England in Saturday’s Six Nation’s title decider against Wales.
Joe LaunchburyJoe Launchbury
Joe Launchbury

Wasps’ Launchbury has beaten an injury scare to retain his place, while Harlequins’ Marler comes into the squad as one of two changes to the pack that started against Italy last week.

Marler replaces Mako Vunipola at loose-head prop and Tom Croft will start at blindside flanker in place of James Haskell.

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Former Pulborough player Billy Twelvetrees, from Wisborough Green, is on the bench, while Launchbury has overcome an elbow to keep his place in the second row as England travel to Cardiff in Cardiff looking to wrap-up their firs Grand Slam since 2003.

England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “We have come a long way through the QBE series and the Six Nations and we want to finish well on what will be a fantastic occasion in Cardiff. It will be a great experience for our English team. Every single player, whether they are in the 23 or not this Saturday, has contributed to getting us in this position and they should be proud of that.

“The support of the country has been great throughout the tournament and I am sure they will be right behind us come 5 o’clock.”