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England vs Wales teams: Warren Gatland named unchanged line-up as Rhys Webb returns to replacements' bench

Webb returns after missing six months with a foot injury with Luke Charteris and Paul James also among the replacements' bench

Tuesday 08 March 2016 17:32 GMT

Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb returns after a six-month injury lay-off (Getty Images)

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has named an unchanged team for Saturday's RBS Six Nations showdown against England at Twickenham.

Gatland retains the starting line-up that accounted for France 11 days ago, although there are three changes on the bench.

Scrum-half Rhys Webb, who was called into Wales' Six Nations squad on Monday following a six-month injury absence from Test rugby, is among the replacements, along with fit-again lock Luke Charteris and prop Paul James.

Ospreys loosehead James takes over from 122 times-capped Gethin Jenkins, who is continuing his recovery from a calf muscle injury.

Charteris missed the France game due to a knee injury and was replaced by Wasps forward Bradley Davies, who continues in the second row alongside Alun-Wyn Jones.

Webb, meanwhile, has not played for Wales since their final World Cup warm-up fixture against Italy last September.

Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

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1/30Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Simon Zebo: 6 out of 10

The fullback showed his danger with ball in hand when he was presented the opportunity but was largely shackled by the Welsh defence. Still questions surrounding his tactical knowledge when playing at fullback as many of his kicks were questionable.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Andrew Trimble: 7 out of 10

Like Zebo, Trimble didn’t have many opportunities to utilise his pace but was generally solid under the high ball and in the tackle. His tackle on Alun Wyn Jones prevented a certain Welsh try, but he will hope to get more ball in hand in his next outing.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Jared Payne: 7 out of 10

Jared Payne was a rock for Ireland in the midfield. He carried effectively and could muster anything that Wales threw his way.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Robbie Henshaw: 7 out of 10

Henshaw had a ferocious battle with Jamie Roberts at 12 and the fact Roberts didn’t make many telling contributions offensively is high praise for Henshaw. He carried the ball well and even managed a Brian O’Driscollesque turnover in the first half.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Keith Earls: 6 out of 10

Like many of the backs in this game, Earls was solid but not spectacular. The versatile winger put in a couple of big hits but failed to make much of an impact when Ireland were attacking.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Jonathan Sexton: 8 out of 10

Sexton continually showed his attacking prowess, notably when he broke the Welsh line before passing to Trimble – showing incredible vision and execution. Then it was time for him to step up when it really counted and tie the game up for his side. Did anyone ever doubt he would do exactly that?

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Connor Murray: 7 out of 10

Scored Ireland’s first try and was at his best for most of the game. His size and power make him so dangerous around the breakdown and the dummy that led to his try was sublime. Has become a vital part of this Irish team.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Jack McGrath: 6 out of 10

In the loose McGrath was outstanding, making 16 tackles and 11 carries, however Ireland’s scrum was battered in the first half and Faletau’s try came as a direct result of Wales’ dominance in this area.

Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Rory Best: 7 out of 10

A good run out for Irelands new captain who was a fierce presence at the breakdown and his usual consistent self at the lineout. It’s clear to see that the hooker relishes the responsibility of leading his team.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Nathan White: 6 out of 10

Like McGrath, the prop was effective in the loose but has to be held accountable for the dominance that Wales experienced at scrum time. Both White and McGrath gave away two penalties at scrum time and will have to go back to the drawing board in time for next week.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Mike McCarthy: 6 out of 10

McCarthy wasn’t seen for much of the game, but the work he puts in shouldn’t be underestimated. He was constantly slowing down Welsh ball and played a part in many of Ireland’s turnovers.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Devin Toner

Toner ran Ireland’s lineout and carried the ball well. His height is such a weapon at the lineout and that was shown by his five claims from eight throws.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

CJ Stander: 9 out of 10

Sean O’Brien who? Stander has given Schmidt a selection headache with a performance of this quality. He did exactly what’s expected of a blindside flanker, making 23 carries and 11 tackles. O’Brien is a quality flanker, but he has a real battle on his hands to retain his place in this squad.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Tommy O'Donnell

Worked very well with his back row colleagues and will feel unlucky if injury rules him out of selection for next week. Perhaps he could have done better to prevent Faletau’s try but Ireland’s scrum was faltering throughout.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Jamie Heaslip: 7 out of 10

A very typical performance from Heaslip. He carried the ball extremely well and was solid in defence. What you’d expect from one of Ireland’s leaders.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Liam Williams: 6 out of 10

Williams was a late replacement for Gareth Anscombe and can be happy with his overall contribution. Was solid under the high ball and made a few dangerous runs down the wing.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

George North: 5 out of 10

Began to come alive in the second half, but for the first hour he was completely anonymous. The winger is really struggling to score at the moment and needs to improve for next week.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Jonathan Davies: 6 out of 10

Worked very well with Roberts and showed his skills going forward on a number of occasions. However didn’t show the attacking side of his game that makes him so dangerous and like North will look to get more of the ball in hand next week.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Jamie Roberts: 8 out of 10

It’s easy to understand why Warren Gatland loves Jamie Roberts. The centre made 21 tackles, including two huge hits on his opposite number, and seemed to be everywhere. Considering the amount of work he put in, it’s astounding that Roberts made it to the final whistle and he's still an integral part of this Welsh side.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Tom James: 6 out of 10

Like North he failed to really get into the game. The winger, making his first appearance in five years, did make a try-saving tackle on Andrew Trimble which was his finest moment.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Dan Biggar: 6 out of 10

Hard to judge as he was forced out of action, but in the time he was on he showed he is as good as any winger at chasing kicks. Rhys Priestland came on to replace him and also looked in good form, pulling the strings effectively and largely offering reliability from the kicking tee.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Gareth Davies: 5 out of 10

There is no doubt the scrum half is supremely talented, however sometimes he appears to make the wrong choice. His sniping around the breakdown is a huge part of his game, but often he chooses to go himself when a pass would be the better option. Such a dangerous player, but needs to utilise those around him to better effect.

Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Rob Evans: 8 out of 10

Wales’ loosehead had a great game both in the loose and at the set piece. Wales’ had the upper hand at the scrum throughout the game and he also made 15 tackles. There were rumours before kick-off that Ireland would target Evans at the scrum, if that’s true it appeared to backfire horribly as Evans enjoyed a fine afternoon.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Scott Baldwin: 6 out of 10

A solid game for Baldwin who has now cemented the hooker position as his own. He was consistent at the lineout and made sure that his presence was felt all over the field.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Samson Lee: 7 out of 10

Samson Lee ruptured his Achilles in this fixture last year and has struggled to replicate his powerful performances at the scrum since. However in this game he showed he still has that power and had Ireland marching back on a number of occasions.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Luke Charteris: 7 out of 10

Charteris gets so much work done around the pitch and was a reliable option at the lineout for Wales throughout. Another player who’s work is often unnoticed but is so vital to his side.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Alun Wyn Jones: 7 out of 10

Like Charteris, he gets so much work done and is always an option for the scrum half. Made 15 tackles and carried the ball 14 times in a performance he can be proud of.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Sam Warburton: 6 out of 10

Had only played one hour of rugby since November prior to this game and struggled to make much of an impact at the breakdown. However remains as committed to the cause as ever and his work rate is second to none.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Justin Tipuric: 6 out of 10

Fell victim to Murray’s dummy for Ireland’s first try and failed to make his usual impact on the game. With Dan Lydiate waiting in the wings he’ll have to up his game in time for next week.

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Ireland 16 Wales 16: Player ratings

Toby Faletau: 8 out of 10

The number 8 made his try look easy and it really wasn’t. His movement for a man of his size is exceptional and has now started 21 matches straight in the Six Nations. He plays a vital role in the Welsh back row as he is the only out-and-out ball carrier, showing this to great effect against Ireland.

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The 27-year-old suffered a serious foot injury during that match and was was ruled out of World Cup contention. He returned to action last month, and has made three comeback appearances in Ospreys colours.

Cardiff Blues scrum-half Lloyd Williams drops out of the matchday 23, together with Jenkins and Scarlets lock Jake Ball.

Gatland said: "We have named a pretty experienced side for Saturday, with no changes in the starting team.

"I thought they did pretty well against France, and we are looking for them to do a job for us this weekend.

"We have a couple of guys back from injury on the bench - Luke Charteris, Paul James and Rhys Webb - and that is a bonus.

Rhys Webb missed the Rugby World Cup with a foot injury (Getty Images)

"It's great to have Rhys back in the squad. He has been training really hard and brings a lot of energy and experience to the team.

"We are happy with the blend of our side. There is a huge amount to play for on Saturday, and it will go a long way to deciding the Six Nations."

Wales have beaten England three times at Twickenham since Gatland took charge eight years ago, with their most recent triumph being a World Cup pool stage victory last September.

Another Wales win would then leave them needing to beat Six Nations strugglers Italy at home on Saturday week to secure a fourth Six Nations title of Gatland's reign.

England, though, will close in on Six Nations silverware - and leave themselves one win away from achieving a first Grand Slam since 2003 - if they defeat their unbeaten title rivals this weekend.

Wales team to face England:

L Williams (Scarlets); A Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), J Davies (Clermont Auvergne), J Roberts (Harlequins), G North (Northampton); D Biggar (Ospreys), G Davies (Scarlets); R Evans (Scarlets), S Baldwin (Ospreys), S Lee (Scarlets), B Davies (Wasps), A-W Jones (Ospreys), D Lydiate (Ospreys), S Warburton (Cardiff Blues, capt), T Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Replacements: K Owens (Scarlets), P James (Ospreys), T Francis (Exeter), L Charteris (Racing 92), J Tipuric (Ospreys), R Webb (Ospreys), R Priestland (Bath), G Anscombe (Cardiff Blues).

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