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Dan Lydiate skippers strong Wales team again England

DUBLIN, IRELAND - FEBRUARY 08:  Dan Lydiate of Wales during the RBS Six Nations match between Ireland and Wales at the Aviva Stadium on February 8, 2014 in
Image: Dan Lydiate skippers Wales at Twickenham

Dan Lydiate will skipper a near full-strength Wales team against England at Twickenham on Sunday.

With usual captain Sam Warburton out injured, Lydiate continues with the skipper's duties after leading Wales to their record-breaking 67-14 victory against Italy in their last outing of the Six Nations.

Lydiate shifts from blindside to the open and will line up alongside Ross Moriarty, who scored a brace in that win over the Azzurri, and No 8 Taulupe Faletau.

There is an unchanged front-row in Rob Evans, Scott Baldwin and Samson Lee packing down for the sixth consecutive time together, while Jake Ball and Alun Wyn Jones lock down in the second row.

There is just one change in the back-line from the side that beat Italy - Scott Williams returning from injury to partner Jamie Roberts in the midfield.

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Ospreys pair Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar continue at half-back with Hallam Amos, George North and Liam Williams making up the back-three in Wales' last match before their daunting tour of New Zealand.

"When you look at the summer series ahead, this is a really important match for the squad," said coach Warren Gatland.

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Scott Williams of Scarlets
Image: Scott Williams returns to the Wales line-up

"When looking at previous summer tours and planning for New Zealand, we felt we needed greater preparation to prepare us for the step up in intensity and the match against England will provide that for us.

"It will be an important hit-out for both teams and as ever it will be an important Test match as it's England v Wales at Twickenham.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland (L) and captain Dan Lydiate
Image: Wales head coach Warren Gatland (left) and captain Lydiate

"There is a lot of continuity in our squad and a great amount of experience and that is going to be vital over the next five weeks.

"Dan led us exceptionally well in our last match so deserves to continue with those duties this weekend."

Kristian Dacey, Gethin Jenkins and Rhodri Jones are named as the front row replacements. James King and Josh Turnbull complete the forward contingent, Blues pair Lloyd Williams and Gareth Anscombe joining Rhys Priestland as the backline cover.

Wales: 15 Liam Williams, 14 George North, 13 Scott Williams, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Hallam Amos, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 1 Rob Evans, 2 Scott Baldwin, 3 Samson Lee, 4 Jake Ball, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, Ross Moriarty, 7 , Dan Lydiate, 8 Taulupe Faletau

Replacements: 16 Kristian Dacey, 17 Gethin Jenkins, 18 Rhodri Jones, 19 Josh Turnbull, 20 James King, 21 Lloyd Williams, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Gareth Anscombe

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