England vs Wales rugby Warm-up Live Stream, Preview, Kick off Time, TV guide

In August, England will play four warm-up matches as part of their preparations for the Rugby World Cup.

Steve Borthwick will use the first of these fixtures against Wales to tinker with his squad selection before England’s first game against Argentina.

England edged out Wales 20-10 in a scrappy Six Nations clash in Cardiff last year.

Borthwick faces a race against time to get his team ready for the World Cup after finishing fourth in that tournament.

Date & Time

On Aug 5 at 5.30pm (BST), England will play Wales in the first of four World Cup warm-up matches.

Stadium & Venue

The Principality Stadium, Cardiff, will host Borthwick’s team. England can expect a cauldron-like atmosphere if the roof is closed, as it is the home side’s preference.

Other England’s Warm-up Match Schedule

• England vs Wales, Twickenham, Saturday, Aug 12, 5.30pm
• Ireland vs England, Aviva Stadium, Saturday, Aug 19, 5.30pm
• England vs Fiji, Twickenham, Saturday, Aug 26, 3.15pm

TV Channel Guide

Amazon Prime (UK) will broadcast England’s first match of this summer’s double-header against Wales, as well as the remainder of its World Cup warm-up matches.

There is a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime Video’s full £8.99 a month package, which comes with free Amazon delivery. This can be canceled at any time.

Match Preview

Kompany delivered a motivational speech to the England rugby team, revealing the “relentless” standards that underpinned his trophy-laden 11-year playing career.

The captain of City, who won four Premier League titles, four League Cups, and an FA Cup, also told Steve Borthwick’s players how he led Burnley to a Championship title in his first season as manager with a claret revolution.

Having been invited by Borthwick to join England’s World Cup training camp last Wednesday, the former Belgium defender has made quite an impression on the squad, many of whom are football fans.

To convince his players of the commitment and dedication required to be successful on the international stage, Borthwick uses a variety of inspirational sporting figures.

Company told the group the secret to success was to be “relentless” in every aspect of their preparation and training, and to “suffocate your opponents” and believe in their abilities.

It was stressed to the players that consistency was key – in their standards, in the environment around them, and in being true to themselves and what they stood for.

As well as presenting the squad with a video of Burnley’s training methods and insight into his management expectations, Kompany, who is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world, also shared the story of his championship-winning season, his experiences as a player and his managers.

This week, England returned to training at Pennyhill Park for a three-day camp before assembling next week for the first of four warm-up matches against Wales in Cardiff.

The return of Bevan Rodd in place of Val Rapava-Ruskin and Mako Vunipola, who has remained with his club to continue his rehabilitation from a back injury, suggest that the Sale Sharks prop is on course to be named as one of three looseheads, along with Ellis Genge and Joe Marler, in the 33-man World Cup squad that will be announced on August 7.

Wales Squad & News

Due to a back injury, Wales captain Ken Owens pulled out of their training squad.

It is unlikely that the 91-cap hooker will be back in time for England’s game during the tournament.

The Ospreys’ Sam Parry has been called up as a result, joining Dewi Lake, Ryan Elias and Elliot Dee in a squad featuring four hookers. Josh Mcleod and Will Davies-King have withdrawn due to shoulder and foot injuries, respectively.

Additionally, Taulupe Faletau has missed the team’s training camp in Turkey due to a calf complaint. The veteran no.8’s fitness will be closely monitored as time approaches the September tournament in France.

Cuthbert and Owen Williams have not travelled to Turkey for personal reasons, while Johnny Williams and Joe Roberts are also absent from the squad.

After Wales’ warm-up matches, Wales’ head coach Warren Gatland will announce his final 33-player squad for the World Cup.

Forwards: Corey Domachowski, Kemsley Mathias, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Elliot Dee, Ryan Elias, Dewi Lake, Sam Parry, Keiron Assiratti, Tomas Francis, Dillon Lewis, Henry Thomas, Adam Beard, Ben Carter, Rhys Davies, Dafydd Jenkins, Will Rowlands, Christ Tshiunza, Teddy Williams, Taine Basham, Dan Lydiate, Jac Morgan, Taine Plumtree, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright

Backs: Gareth Davies, Kieran Hardy, Tomos Williams, Gareth Anscombe, Dan Biggar, Sam Costelow, Mason Grady, Max Llewellyn, George North, Nick Tompkins, Keiran Williams, Josh Adams, Rio Dyer, Cai Evans, Leigh Halfpenny, Louis Rees-Zammit, Tom Rogers, Liam Williams.

England Squad & News

During the warm-up match, Borthwick will finalize his 33-player World Cup squad, which will be announced on August 7.

Sam Underhill was axed from the training squad by England’s coach ahead of the clash.

At flanker, Underhill was one of England’s key performers at the last World Cup, and his absence indicates the fierce competition the side faces.

After rehabilitating their respective injuries, Billy Vunipola and Ollie Lawrence are poised to rejoin the main training squad.

In order to select the England squad for the Wales game, Borthwick gathered 44 players at Pennyhill Park in Bagshot last week. They were as follows:

Forwards: Jamie Blamire, Dan Cole, Tom Curry, Theo Dan, Alex Dombrandt, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Jonny Hill, Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, Joe Marler, George Martin, Tom Pearson,  David Ribbans, Bevan Rodd, Kyle Sinckler, Will Stuart, Jack Willis, Tom Willis

Backs: Henry Arundell, Danny Care, Joe Cokanasiga, Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell, George Ford, Max Malins, Joe Marchant, Jonny May, Cadan Murley, Guy Porter, Henry Slade, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Manu Tuilagi, Jack van Poortvliet, Anthony Watson, Ben Youngs