Tuilagi lends England some bite

Tuilagi lends England some bite

23 Feb 2012

Manu Tuilagi has been selected at outside centre for England’s Six Nations Test against Wales.

Coach Stuart Lancaster has made four changes in all to his starting side. Owen Farrell moves from centre to flyhalf to offset the loss of Charlie Hodgson, who has failed to recover from a finger injury. He will be partnered by Lee Dickson in the halfbacks.

Ben Morgan starts at No 8 while Geoff Parling is preferred in the second row.

England – 15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Manu Tuilagi, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 David Strettle; 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Ben Morgan, 7 Chris Robshaw (c), 6 Tom Court, 5 Geoff Parling, 4 Mouritz Botha, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Alex Corbisiero.
Subs: 16 Rob Webber, 17 Matt Stevens, 18 Courtney Lawes, 19 Phil Dowson, 20 Ben Youngs, 21 Toby Flood, 22 Mike Brown.


5 Comments

  • 1.NicG: Reply to this comment
    23 Feb 2012, 12:46 pm

    Good move shifting Barritt to inside – he’s far better suited to defending the inside channel and controlling the rest of the backline from there. With Tuilagi in, he’ll also start putting the beast into gaps… Farrell at FH is a brave call, but a good one IMHO.
    Big ask against Wales, but England have the personel, if they can sort their playing style out – not too much creativity going on, bt it’s a new side.

  • 2.>^..^< katman: Reply to this comment
    23 Feb 2012, 12:55 pm

    Wales are going to pump this team by a dozen points or more.

  • 3.race of tan: Reply to this comment
    23 Feb 2012, 13:27 pm

    Wales to beat England rather easily. They are well oiled side now

  • 4.THE MAULER: Reply to this comment
    23 Feb 2012, 13:33 pm

    Much better team! No hodgeson!!

  • 5.Guns: Reply to this comment
    23 Feb 2012, 14:46 pm

    Good call I reckon as well. Both Centres are known for their strong defence & Tuilagi as well for his attacking ability. They will Target the 10 Channel sending Jamie Roberts and co at the 10 channel all night long. Owen Farrell will have a stern test up ahead.

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