Loosehead prop Rowntree is back in England's starting line-up to face RBS 6 Nations Championship opponents Wales, replacing hamstring injury-victim Jason Leonard.

And while Rowntree will take the field wearing his familiar number one jersey, he might be required to switch positions.

With specialist loosehead Mike Worsley, the uncapped London Irish prop, on the bench, Rowntree will provide tighthead cover for Julian White.

"I've had a dozen or so games at tighthead for Leicester, a lot when I was younger, and a few times when Darren Garforth injured his neck a few years ago," he said.

"I am no Julian White or Phil Vickery, but I will do my best. I've got all week to get my head around it and get stuck into it in training. Hopefully, the situation won't happen."