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New-look England for opener
29/01/2008 16:11 - (SA)
Bath - Gloucester No 8 Luke Narraway is set to make a shock debut in a new-look England side in Saturday's Six Nations opener against Wales at Twickenham.
The 24-year-old was only a late, injury-cover addition to Brian Ashton's Six Nations squad.
But the former Under-21 international now takes the place of Nick Easter, out with a right knee injury, in an England side showing seven changes from the team that started last time out in October's 15-6 World Cup final defeat against South Africa in Paris.
Elsewhere in the back row, James Haskell comes in for former captain Martin Corry - one of four players along with fullback Jason Robinson, centre Mike Catt and No 8 Lawrence Dallaglio who've retired from international rugby since the World Cup.
In the second row Steve Borthwick replaces Ben Kay, now on the bench.
Mike Tindall, who missed the World Cup because of a rib injury, returns at centre in place of Mathew Tait, who couldn't even find a place in the match-day 22 after a below-par display last weekend at fullback for Newcastle against Leicester.
Late withdrawal
Toby Flood, who came on as a replacement in the World Cup final, takes the other centre position.
Iain Balshaw, whose England career began eight years ago, was recalled at fullback while David Strettle, a late withdrawal from the World Cup squad with a broken foot, returns on the left wing in place of Mark Cueto.
Right wing Paul Sackey has been passed fit after a bout of mumps while up front prop forward Phil Vickery retains the captaincy.
Gloucester's Tonga-born former New Zealand rugby league international wing Lesley Vainikolo, qualified for England on residency and in his first season in the 15-man code, is on the bench along with fellow uncapped back Danny Cipriani, the Wasps outside-half.
Uncapped Sale scrumhalf Richard Wigglesworth provides cover for regular World Cup number nine Andy Gomarsall.
England have not lost to Wales at Twickenham since 1988.
England team to play Wales at Twickenham on Saturday (16:30GMT kick-off)
The team (15-1):
Iain Balshaw; Paul Sackey, Mike Tindall, Toby Flood, David Strettle; Jonny Wilkinson, Andy Gomarsall; Luke Narraway, Lewis Moody, James Haskell; Steve Borthwick, Simon Shaw; Phil Vickery (capt), Mark Regan, Andrew Sheridan
Replacements: Lee Mears, Matt Stevens, Ben Kay, Tom Rees, Richard Wigglesworth, Danny Cipriani, Lesley Vainikolo.
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Rugby
