Blog Banner

Cardiff Blues quintet set for England Test

International | 26th November 2020


Five Cardiff Blues players have been named in the Wales squad for Saturday's Autumn Nations Cup clash against England at Parc y Scarlets, with scrum half Lloyd Williams set for his first international start since 2016.

Cardiff Blues' most capped active player has impressed from the bench in his two appearances after being called into Wayne Pivac's squad, and wears the number nine jersey to partner Dan Biggar at half back.

Williams, who will win his 31st international cap, is joined in the starting XV by three regional team-mates, with Josh Adams returning to the wing. 

It's a proud moment for Shane Lewis-Hughes and James Botham, who have progressed through age grade and regional rugby together in the back row, and will now team-up on the flanks on the International stage, and are joined by number eight Taulupe Faletau.

Both players were late call-ups to Pivac's squad, but have done enough to impress as they're set to win their third and second caps respectively against Eddie Jones' side.

Finally, Rhys Carré returns to the matchday squad and take his place amongst the replacements, after being rested for last weeks' win over Georgia.

Seven of the matchday squad have come through the Cardiff Blues' regional pathway system, with Louis Rees-Zammit, Callum Sheedy and Leigh Halfpenny all representing Wales' Capital Region during the earlier stages of their careers.

WALES TEAM TO PLAY ENGLAND (SATURDAY 28 NOV KO 4PM)

1. Wyn Jones (Scarlets) (28 Caps)

2. Ryan Elias (Scarlets) (16 Caps)

3. Samson Lee (Scarlets) (44 Caps)

4. Jake Ball (Scarlets) (48 Caps)

5. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) (141 Caps) (CAPT)

6. Shane Lewis-Hughes (Cardiff Blues) (2 Caps)

7. James Botham (Cardiff Blues) (1 Cap)

8. Taulupe Faletau (Bath) (79 Caps)

9. Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues) (30 Caps)

10. Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints) (86 Caps)

11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Blues) (28 Caps)

12. Johnny Williams (Scarlets) (1 Cap)

13. Nick Tompkins (Dragons) (7 Caps)

14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Gloucester) (2 Caps)

15. Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets) (92 Caps)

Replacements:

16. Elliot Dee (Dragons) (31 Caps)

17. Rhys Carre (Cardiff Blues) (11 Caps)

18. Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs) (50 Caps)

19. Will Rowlands (Wasps) (3 Caps)

20. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons) (25 Caps)

21. Rhys Webb (Ospreys) (35 Caps)

22. Callum Sheedy (Bristol Bears) (2 Caps)

23. Owen Watkin (Ospreys) (24 Caps)