England Reshuffle Backline
Jun 14,2012
Jonathan Joseph will start his first England international in Saturday's second Test against South Africa at Coca Cola Park, Johannesburg.
The London Irish centre comes in at No 13 in place of Manu Tuilagi, who switches inside for Brad Barritt in a side showing five changes - two positional - from the one that started the first Test.
Toby Flood replaces Owen Farrell at flyhalf, Ben Foden moves to fullback for the injured Mike Brown and David Strettle comes on to the left wing.
The pack remains the same while there are changes on the replacements' bench, where Alex Corbisiero gets his first chance in the Castle series, in place of Paul Doran Jones, while Alex Goode takes over from Toby Flood.
England head coach Stuart Lancaster said: "I am delighted for JJ. He has trained very well and showed against the Barbarians and in his short time on the field in the first Test that he is ready to make the step to international rugby. To have two 21-year-old centres is exciting and we are looking forward to seeing this combination in action.
"Owen has had a fantastic season and I am sure he will make a significant impact from the bench. However, Toby has waited patiently for his opportunity and the time is right to allow him the chance to demonstrate his experience and skills in what will be a very tough challenge.
"It's a shame for Mike Brown who worked hard to get that Test start but Ben Foden naturally reverts to full back and we return to the wing partnership of David Strettle and Chris Ashton that served us well in the RBS Six Nations."
England: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 David Strettle, 10 Toby Flood, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Ben Morgan, 7 Chris Robshaw (captain), 6 Tom Johnson, 5 Geoff Parling, 4 Mouritz Botha, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Joe Marler.
Replacements: 16 Lee Mears, 17 Alex Corbisiero, 18 Tom Palmer, 19 Phil Dowson, 20 Lee Dickson, 21 Owen Farrell, 22 Alex Goode.
Jun 14, 2012 at 15:35:19
Like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic! You Poms are drowning and you know it! What u really need is a few more Saffas and Pacific Islanders in your team.