Stuart Lancaster "excited" about England team to face Wales

England head coach Stuart Lancaster believes that he is fielding an 'exciting' team to face Wales in their Six Nations opener in Cardiff on Friday.

Luther Burrell and Jonathan Thomas have been handed starts, while Danny Cipriani and Nick Easter have come back in from the cold to be named on the bench.

"We've had to make some tight calls but we are excited about the side selected for what will be a big challenge," Lancaster said in a statement. "JJ has been one of the form centres in the country. He and Luther have trained well together and this is a big opportunity for both of them.

"Billy Vunipola has also been playing well for Saracens and it's good to be able to give George Kruis his first international start after his impressive run off the bench in November.

"Dan Cole and James Haskell bring a lot of experience, as do the bench, and their contribution will be crucial on Friday night."

The clash will be hosted at the Millennium Stadium.