Stephen Jones

Record man: Stephen Jones will overtake Gareth Thomas's record of 100 Wales caps on Saturday

  • Venue: Twickenham, date: Saturday, 6 August, Kick-off: 1430 BST
  • Coverage:Live commentary on BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC 5 live sports extra; Watch live on Sky Sports 1; Highlights on BBC Sport website, BBC Three (Saturday 1900-2000 BST) and on BBC One (Sunday 0800-0900 BST); Live text commentary on BBC Sport website

STEPHEN JONES will become Wales’ most-capped player on Saturday when he plays his 101st Test match for his country against England at Twickenham.

The Scarlets fly-half overtakes fellow centurion Gareth Thomas to set a new record while Ospreys lock Alun Wyn Jones reaches the milestone of 50 caps.

Wales assistant coach Rob Howley added: “It is a tremendous achievement for Stephen, but he had all the well deserved accolades when he won his 100th cap and the spotlight this weekend should really go to Alun Wyn on winning his 50th.”

Warren Gatland has made six changes to the side that faced the Barbarians at the Millennium Stadium in June.

In the back-line Rhys Priestland comes into the side at full-back in place of Morgan Stoddart, Jamie Roberts returns at inside-centre for Gavin Henson and Shane Williams replaces Aled Brew on the wing having recovered from a knee injury suffered in March.

Up front prop Craig Mitchell comes in for Ryan Bevington, who moves to the bench, with Paul James switching sides of the scrum.

It’s all change in the second row with the established unit from the recent RBS 6 Nations Championship, Bradley Davies and Jones reunited, as both Ryan Jones and Luke Charteris move to the bench.

The young back-row unit of Sam Warburton, Toby Faletau and Dan Lydiate, which made its debut against the Baa-Baas, is retained and Warburton keeps the captaincy.

Alun Wyn Jones

High note: Alun Wyn Jones will win his 50th cap against England

“We have made changes but we have some pretty established combinations coming back with Jamie Roberts returning to the midfield and Alun Wyn and Bradley in the second row,” said Wales coach Gatland.

“These are the men in possession of the jersey at the moment and it is now up to them to hold on to it and they will only do that with a performance at Twickenham at the weekend.

“The stakes are high for individuals, but as a team it is also important for us to create some momentum as we head for the World Cup in New Zealand.”

Players not considered for selection for this game but expected to be back in contention next week are: Adam Jones (toe), James Hook (neck) and Lee Byrne (knee).

Gethin Jenkins is considered fit, but is taking extra time to get himself up to 100 per cent and Matthew Rees has had an injection in his neck and will be re-assessed next week. Leigh Halfpenny has an ankle injury and is not yet ready to return to action, but is targeting the match against Argentina.

Wales team to play England, Saturday 6 August, Twickenham, 2.30pm

15 Rhys Priestland (Scarlets)

14 George North (Scarlets

13 Jonathan Davies (Scarlets)

12 Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues)

11 Shane Williams (Ospreys)

10 Stephen Jones (Scarlets)

9 Mike Phillips (Bayonne)

1 Paul James (Ospreys)

2 Huw Bennett (Ospreys)

3 Craig Mitchell (Exeter)

4 Bradley Davies (Cardiff Blues)

5 Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys)

6 Dan Lydiate (Dragons)

7 Sam Warburton (Captain, Cardiff Blues)

8 Toby Faletau (Dragons)

REPLACEMENTS

16 Lloyd Burns (Dragons)

17 Ryan Bevington (Ospreys)

18 Luke Charteris (Dragons)

19 Ryan Jones (Ospreys)

20 Tavis Knoyle (Scarlets)

21 Scott Williams (Scarlets)

22 Morgan Stoddart (Scarlets)