By RFU Press Release
May 25 2012
ENGLAND will face the Barbarians in Sunday’s Killik Cup (2.30pm) at Twickenham Stadium with 11 players who featured in this year’s RBS 6 Nations.
| Christian Wade's in for England | ||||
In a backline of Ben Foden, Chris Ashton, Brad Barritt and Lee Dickson, Owen Farrell moves to inside centre and Charlie Hodgson returns at No 10. London Wasps flier Christian Wade – second highest try scorer in the Aviva Premiership this season (nine in 15 games) – gets his chance on the left wing. Dylan Hartley and Mouritz Botha, who started against Ireland in the final game of the Six Nations, are named, while Phil Dowson captains the side from the back row alongside Exeter Chiefs’ Tom Johnson and Bath Rugby’s Carl Fearns. England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “We are treating this as a very important game for setting the foundations for the tour. The players have been excellent this week and have been fully focussed as we are looking to build on the momentum of the Six Nations. This is a really important milestone in our preparation for South Africa. “With the Leicester and Harlequins players unavailable it's a great opportunity for those other players involved in the Six Nations to lead the way. Some of the younger players have a chance to put a marker down and get their first taste of international rugby such as Christian Wade on the wing, Joe Launchbury, Alex Goode and Jonathan Joseph on the bench. Being able to name a back line very similar to the Six Nations and the strength we have in the forwards with the likes of Tom Johnson and Carl Fearns, who played in this game last year, is a real positive. “The support we had at Twickenham against Wales and Ireland was fantastic and we can’t wait to get back there. The Barbarians have a really strong team packed with talent and experience and having been involved in this fixture before I know it will be a great occasion.” England v Barbarians Replacements Clubs as at May 25 Tickets for the Killik Cup, England v Barbarians are available, from £25 for adults and £10 for children. Visit rfu.com/tickets to buy now or visit the Ticket Office at Twickenham Stadium on the day of the game. Booking fees apply and tickets are subject to availability. |
