RWC 2015 England vs Wales team news: Owen Farrell in for George Ford as Stuart Lancaster opts for muscular midfield

Stuart Lancaster makes changes in midfield for pivotal clash

Owen Farrell has been in promising form at fly-half (Getty Images)

England have selected Owen Farrell at fly-half and Sam Burgess at inside centre for Saturday's crunch World Cup showdown with Wales at Twickenham.

George Ford has been demoted as first choice playmaker - a position held since last autumn - to make room for Farrell despite showing solid form during the warm-up matches and the 35-11 victory over Fiji.

England have completed a radical overhaul of their midfield after Jonathan Joseph was ruled out against Wales with a chest injury by picking Burgess and moving Brad Barritt to outside centre.

The Farrell-Burgess-Barritt combination - the most muscular trio available to head coach Stuart Lancaster - has been chosen in anticipation of the looming gainline war at Twickenham.

The final change to the starting XV sees Billy Vunipola picked at number eight after Ben Morgan lost his battle to recover from a knee problem.

England XV to face Wales: Brown, Watson, Barritt, Burgess, May, Farrell, B Youngs, Marler, T Youngs, Cole, Parling, Wood, Robshaw (c), B Vunipola

PA

To coincide with the Rugby World Cup, The Independent has launched a new app! Live scores, team line-ups, in-game stats and breaking news will ensure you keep on top of the tournament. Use the links below to download the free app...

Android
http://bit.ly/androidrwc2015

iOS
http://bit.ly/iosrwc2015