Joe Launchbury keeps England place for Six Nations decider

Former Christ’s Hospital, Horsham and Barns Green player Joe Launchbury has seen off an injury scare to retain his place in the England squad for this weekend’s Six Nations decider.
England's (left-right) James Haskell, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes and Dylan Hartley Julien Behal/PA Wire.England's (left-right) James Haskell, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes and Dylan Hartley Julien Behal/PA Wire.
England's (left-right) James Haskell, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes and Dylan Hartley Julien Behal/PA Wire.

England face Wales in Cardiff looking to wrap-up a first Grand Slam since 2003 on Saturday, and Wasps ace Launchbury has overcome an elbow injury sustained last week against Italy, to keep his place in the second row.

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.”

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Gloucester centre Billy Twelvetrees, who played minis rugby at Pulborough and then starred for Horsham and Sussex, is on the bench.

England

15. Alex Goode (Saracens, 10 caps)

14. Chris Ashton (Saracens, 33 caps)

13. Manusamoa Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers, 20 caps)

12. Brad Barritt (Saracens, 15 caps)

11. Mike Brown (Harlequins, 15 caps)

10. Owen Farrell (Saracens, 15 caps)

9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 32 caps)

1. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 9 caps)

2. Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 8 caps)

3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 39 caps)

4. Joe Launchbury (London Wasps, 8 caps)

5. Geoff Parling (Leicester Tigers, 16 caps)

6. Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers, 37 caps)

7. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, capt, 16 caps)

8. Tom Wood (Northampton Saints, 17 caps)

Replacements

16. Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints, 46 caps)

17. David Wilson (Bath Rugby, 25 caps)

18. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 8 caps)

19. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 19 caps)

20. James Haskell (London Wasps, 49 caps)

21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 40 caps)

22. Toby Flood (Leicester Tigers, 56 caps)

23. Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby, 3 caps)