England vs Wales: Feyi-Waboso Out, Roebuck Starts – Six Nations 2024

England vs Wales: Feyi-Waboso Out, Roebuck Starts – Six Nations 2024

February 6, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Health

England’s Six Nations campaign begins Saturday with a reshuffling of the lineup, as a late hamstring injury to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has forced a change on the right wing. Tom Roebuck will now take Feyi-Waboso’s place in the starting XV for the match against Wales at Allianz Stadium.

Injury Alters England’s Plans

Feyi-Waboso sustained the injury during training on Thursday, ruling him out of at least the opening match. The timing is particularly unfortunate, as he missed the entirety of last year’s Six Nations due to shoulder surgery, having returned to play against the USA on a summer tour and started throughout the autumn matches.

Did You Know? Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is currently studying for a medical degree while playing professional rugby.

Flanker Sam Underhill described the team’s reaction to the injury, stating, “We’re gutted for him. He’s a very emotionally resilient guy and a hard working guy.” Underhill further noted Feyi-Waboso’s resilience, suggesting his medical studies contribute to his character.

Roebuck Steps In

Roebuck’s inclusion marks his first appearance since a try-scoring performance against New Zealand in November. His autumn run was cut short by a broken toe. Initially, it was indicated he would need “another week or so” to recover, according to Steve Borthwick, but he has been selected ahead of Elliot Daly.

Scrum coach Tom Harrison acknowledged the disruption, stating, “Does it disrupt some plans? Yes it does because it’s changing a player, but we’ve done everything we can to make sure the next player is ready.” Harrison confirmed Roebuck had trained fully on Thursday and “been exceptional around the squad.”

Wales Face Uphill Battle

England enter the match as strong favorites, with Wales currently on a losing streak of 11 matches in the Six Nations, dating back to 2023. This is part of a larger pattern of 21 defeats in their last 23 Tests. Despite Wales’ recent struggles, Underhill emphasized the importance of respect for their opponents.

Expert Insight: The late change to the lineup underscores the inherent unpredictability of professional sports. Teams invest heavily in contingency planning, but a key injury can still force adjustments and test a squad’s depth and adaptability.

Underhill stated, “We don’t pay much attention to bookies’ odds…When it comes to Test rugby I don’t think that form necessarily matters that much. Ultimately you have to turn up on the day and do what you set out to do.”

Looking Ahead

If Feyi-Waboso’s recovery progresses well, he could be available for the pivotal clash with Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday week. Ireland’s visit to Twickenham will follow a week later. However, a firm return date has not yet been provided by England.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the change in England’s lineup?

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso suffered a hamstring injury in training on Thursday and has been ruled out of the match against Wales.

Who will replace Feyi-Waboso on the right wing?

Tom Roebuck will start on the right wing in place of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.

What is Wales’ recent record in the Six Nations?

Wales have lost their last 11 matches in the Six Nations, dating back to 2023, and have 21 defeats in their last 23 Tests.

How much does team preparation and adaptability play a role in overcoming unexpected challenges like player injuries during a major tournament?