BATH’S Sam Burgess has been named in England’s starting XV to face Wales this Saturday.

The 26-year-old made an impact from the bench against Fiji in the hosts’ opening game and has been named at 12 for England’s crunch Pool A clash at Twickenham.

Burgess, who takes over from club teammate Jonathan Joseph, is joined by Bath teammate Anthony Watson on the wing, with Brad Barritt moving to outside centre in place of the injured Joseph.

Fly-half George Ford drops to the bench to be replaced by Owen Farrell, with club hooker Rob Webber keeping his place on the bench for Saturday’s encounter.

Billy Vunipola comes in at No 8 for Ben Morgan, who is still struggling with a knee injury, while James Haskell and Alex Goode are both included in the 23.

“We have a lot of respect for the Wales coaching team and their players. They are a high-quality side and I am sure it will be some occasion on Saturday evening,” said England head coach Stuart Lancaster.

“The support at Twickenham last week was incredible, with the crowd really getting behind us, and we will need them again this week to lift the players against a tough Wales team.”