Balshaw earns Twickers recall

Balshaw earns Twickers recall

29 Jan 2008

England utility back Iain Balshaw will replace Jason Robinson at fullback when the Roses host Wales at Twickenham.

Mathew Tait was expected to move to fullback for Saturday’s Six Nations opener but has instead been replaced by Mike Tindall at centre. Seven changes in all are made to the team who lost 15-6 to the Springboks in last year’s World Cup final.

Gloucester loose forward Luke Narraway will make his debut at No 8 while Tongan-born Lesley ‘Volcano’ Vanikolo will start on the bench. James Haskell replaces the retired Martin Corry and Steve Borthwick takes Ben Kay’s spot at lock.

The backline sees Toby Flood inside Tindall while David Strettle replaces Mark Cueto on the wing.

England – Iain Balshaw (Gloucester), Paul Sackey (Wasps), Mike Tindall (Gloucester), Toby Flood (Newcastle), David Strettle (Harlequins), Jonny Wilkinson (Newcastle), Andy Gomarsall (Harlequins); Andrew Sheridan (Sale), Mark Regan (Bristol), Phil Vickery (Wasps), Simon Shaw (Wasps), Steve Borthwick (Bath), James Haskell (Wasps), Lewis Moody (Leicester), Luke Narraway (Gloucester).
Subs: Lee Mears (Bath), Matt Stevens (Bath), Ben Kay (Leicester), Tom Rees (Wasps), Richard Wigglesworth (Sale), Dan Cipriani (Wasps), Lesley Vainikolo (Gloucester).


11 Comments

  • 1.skopskiet: Reply to this comment
    29 Jan 2008, 22:49 pm

    And BH said it would be Tait, so Tait going back to 12 and balshaw to 15, good call Mr. Ashton.

  • 2.skopskiet: Reply to this comment
    29 Jan 2008, 22:50 pm

    Tait out, bad call Mr. Ashton.

  • 3.skopskiet: Reply to this comment
    29 Jan 2008, 22:51 pm

    No Cueto either who nearly did the damage that day.

  • 4.Big Hit: Reply to this comment
    29 Jan 2008, 23:33 pm

    Tait being out is the big shock. Apparently had a bad game at 15 v Leicester last week.

    Still think we’ll win by a significant margin at home.

  • 5.CoachPete: Reply to this comment
    30 Jan 2008, 01:26 am

    BH. Good decision selecting specialist FB.

  • 6.CoachPete: Reply to this comment
    30 Jan 2008, 01:29 am

    I think its the correct selection of the backs.
    Tindall has been playing really well I think and deserves #13. Flood plays well next to Wilkinson.

  • 7.greatest13gerber: Reply to this comment
    30 Jan 2008, 08:23 am

    Iain Balshaw WTF???

    How many chances has this injury prone has being had??

    when was the last time, he actually waranted selection based on performance??.

    Awesome pack as usual but how long is Vickery going to hang in there?. He is not the strongest scrummaging tighthead for England.

  • 8.puff: Reply to this comment
    30 Jan 2008, 08:27 am

    Strong side and an effective looking squad, I have to say.

    The youngsters are partciularly promising: Cipriani, Tait, Strettle, Narraway, Cueto, Haskell – all good players.

    Think Lee Mears should be given his chance to shine soon. How much longer can Regan carry on for?

    And depth at lock must be a worry. Shaw’s 34-35 now, isn’t he? Or am I wrong?

    Also, who’s Sheridan’s backup at loosehead?

  • 9.greatest13gerber: Reply to this comment
    30 Jan 2008, 09:55 am

    Sheriden backup is Stevens, who is originally a loosehead prop.

    Regan is the toughest annoying old dog around. The guy is a warrior. Mears is exciting in the loose but just lacks the aggression and annoyance factor of Regan.

  • 10.SalShark: Reply to this comment
    30 Jan 2008, 10:05 am

    Looks like a very good team. England could have a very potent backline soon. The Lions are going to be a very strong team next year!!

  • 11.Durban Docks: Reply to this comment
    30 Jan 2008, 10:07 am

    Balshaw stinks. I cant believe they are still persisting with him. Also alot of people believe that Wales are going to win the 6 nations this year so Engalnd – watch out.

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