Joe Marler will win his 27th cap for England in Friday night's opening Six Nations fixtures against Wales.

Marler, who played for Haywards Heath and Worthing, retains his place at loosehead for the match in Cardiff.

His selection is continued reward for a strong year for England.

Billy Twelvetrees, from Pulborough, has staved off stiff competition to claim a place on the replacements bench.

England have also  named Danny Cipriani and Nick Easter on the bench.

Cipriani provides fly-half cover for George Ford while Easter, more traditionally a number eight, has been asked to deputise for the second row with his experience deemed invaluable for the Millennium Stadium showdown.

A new centre partnership is formed by Jonathan Joseph and Luther Burrell and Dan Cole returns at tighthead prop having recovered from a foot problem in his first Test appearance for almost a year.

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England match-day 23 to face Wales

15. Mike Brown (Harlequins, 33 caps)

14. Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 4 caps)

13. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 6 caps)

12. Luther Burrell (Northampton Saints, 7 caps)

11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 11 caps) 1

0. George Ford (Bath Rugby, 6 caps)

9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 42 caps)

1. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 26 caps)

2. Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints, 61 caps)

3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 45 caps)

4. David Attwood (Bath Rugby, 16 caps)

5. George Kruis (Saracens, 4 caps)

6. James Haskell (Wasps, 53 caps)

7. Chris Robshaw (captain, Harlequins, 32 caps)

8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 12 caps)

Replacements 16. Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 17 caps) 17. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 15 caps) 18. Kieran Brookes (Newcastle Falcons, 6 caps) 19. Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers, 38 caps) 20. Nick Easter (Harlequins, 47 caps) 21. Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens, 16 caps) 22. Danny Cipriani (Sale Sharks, 9 caps) 23. Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby, 16 caps)