Six Nations 2022: Wales recall Taulupe Faletau and Josh Adams to face England

Taulupe Faletau and Josh Adams last played alongside each other for the British and Irish Lions in South Africa in the summer of 2021

Wales have recalled Taulupe Faletau and Josh Adams for Saturday's Six Nations match against England.

They are the only two changes made by head coach Wayne Pivac to the team which beat Scotland, with Faletau in the back row instead of Jac Morgan and wing Adams replacing Louis Rees-Zammit.

Number eight Faletau has played two games for Bath since a seven-month lay-off with an ankle injury.

Adams missed the home win over Scotland with a calf problem.

The Cardiff wing was picked at outside centre for the opening defeat in Ireland but is back in his natural position at Twickenham.

"He's chomping at the bit," said head coach Wayne Pivac.

"He's had a couple of weeks on the sidelines, so getting back is important for him.

"He brings a lot of energy in the training sessions and a lot of energy in the game. He's a good voice so we're looking forward to seeing him out there."

Owen Watkin and Nick Tompkins start again in midfield with Jonathan Davies on the replacements' bench.

"We looked at all the different scenarios, you take into account the opposition that is coming, what they're going to bring," added Pivac.

"This is what we think is required. We've gone with the same three that played last week. They get another opportunity and we'll see how we go."

Wing Alex Cuthbert keeps his starting spot after an impressive display against Scotland with Rees-Zammit released to play for Gloucester against Leicester on Saturday.

Rees-Zammit has struggled to impose himself in the first two games of the Six Nations, though Pivac said he was unlucky to miss out.

The 21-year-old damaged his ankle in the warm-up against Ireland but still played in the Dublin defeat.

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Cuthbert will win his 50th Wales cap in a week where his partner gave birth to his child.

"It's been a big week for him and is going to continue to be an even bigger week come Saturday," added Pivac.

"To get 50 caps is a massive achievement and we're pleased he's been able to reach that milestone in such a big game.

"I'm chuffed for Alex. He's worked hard and come back from some big injuries over the years.

"He had excellent form in his last year in England and come back and worked hard in our environment.

"He has a massive work-rate and that's helping him at the moment."

Faletau goes straight into the back row at number eight alongside Dragons duo Taine Basham and Ross Moriarty, who switches to blind-side flanker.

Faletau returned to club action earlier this month after picking up an ankle injury while playing for the British and Irish Lions in the summer of 2021.

The 31-year-old has played 86 internationals for Wales and been involved in five Lions Tests.

"He has a lot of experience, which is going to be required, and he also has a couple of games under his belt now, with 80 minutes last week," added Pivac.

"He's trained well during the week. He brings the good footwork in the contact area and is very knowledgeable.

"He brings a wealth of experience. He's a very well-liked member of the squad and he lifts those around him.

"He's slotted in very quickly. We're starting him and we'll see how long he goes for."

Morgan started when winning his first cap against Scotland, while Aaron Wainwright - who misses out altogether at Twickenham - was included from the outset against Ireland.

Scarlets scrum-half Kieran Hardy, Ospreys outside-half Gareth Anscombe and Dragons prop Leon Brown could make their first 2022 Six Nations appearances from the bench.

With Dan Biggar leading Wales and his Northampton team-mate Courtney Lawes skippering England, it is the first time in history the captains in an England against Wales fixture have come from the same club.

Wales: L Williams; Cuthbert, Watkin, Tompkins, Adams; Biggar (capt), T Williams; W Jones, Elias, Francis, Rowlands, Beard, Moriarty, Basham, Faletau.

Replacements: Lake, G Thomas, Brown, S Davies, Morgan, Hardy, Anscombe, J Davies.

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