News

Haskell only change for England

Tuesday 18th November 2008

Stepping up: Haskell replaces Croft on flank

England have beefed up their forward pack by promoting James Haskell to starting flank for their clash with South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday.

The back-row emerged from the bench during both of England's autumn internationals thus far, but has replaced the rangy Tom Croft in the only change to their starting XV for the Springboks.

Croft is included among the replacements and is joined on the bench by uncapped Leicester number eight Jordon Crane, who has replaced flank Michael Lipman in the matchday squad.

Otherwise, Team Manager Martin Johnson has kept faith with the tight five that struggled to impose themselves against the Wallabies and named the same back division for a third week running.

Haskell was one of the few England players to return from the summer tour of New Zealand with his reputation enhanced after two impressive performances against the All Blacks.

Also named among the substitutes is lock Simon Shaw, who will win his 50th international cap if called upon by Johnson.

England: 15 Delon Armitage, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Jamie Noon, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Ugo Monye, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Danny Care, 8 Nick Easter, 7 Tom Rees, 6 James Haskell, 5 Tom Palmer, 4 Steve Borthwick (c), 3 Phil Vickery, 2 Lee Mears, 1 Andrew Sheridan.
Replacements: 16 Dylan Hartley, 17 Matt Stevens, 18 Simon Shaw, 19 Tom Croft, 20 Jordan Crane, 21 Harry Ellis, 22 Toby Flood

Date: Saturday, November 22
Venue: Twickenham
Kick-off: 14:30 GMT
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Touch judges: Alan Rolland (Ireland), Romain Poite (France)
Television match official: Peter Allan (Scotland)
Assessor: Tappe Henning (South Africa)