Tindall and Kay miss the cut
Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:58
Not quite: Mike Tindall misses out on senior selection
England's new team manager Martin Johnson, and director, Rob Andrew finally unveiled their Elite and Saxons squads on Tuesday.
The squad announcement will hopefully mark a new era in English rugby, and perhaps more so, aid in quelling recent off-field hullabaloo.
The most noteworthy change is the dropping of multi-capped Mike Tindall and Ben Kay to the England Saxons squad, on Johnson's first day in charge as England's new team manager.
The two senior players' relegation comes along with recent New Zealand tourists Joe Worsley, Michael Lipman, Richard Wigglesworth, Topsy Ojo, David Strettle and Mike Brown who have also been included in the second string.
Johnson has included Wasps' and New Zealand Maori international Riki Flutey, who qualifies for England on residency grounds in September, Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley, London Irish lock Nick Kennedy and Leicester loose forward Jordan Crane as the only four uncapped players in the Elite squad.
Wasps fullback Josh Lewsey returns to the senior England fold for the first time since the World Cup while Leicester duo Harry Ellis and Lewis Moody return from long-term injuries.
Danny Care makes the England Elite squad, with Nick Easter, Tom Guest, Mike Brown, Ugo Monye and David Strettle taking spots in the Saxons Squad, which boasts 19 capped players.
Flyhalf Charlie Hodgson, who endured a torrid time in New Zealand, did not even make either squad. Johnson admitted the tame performances in New Zealand had influenced his thinking.
"I don't think there is a tougher task than going to play New Zealand away," Johnson said.
"What did we find out? Some of the players stood up and competed well and I think we found out something about everyone who went on that tour, and that is factored in to the squad we have named today.
"We were beaten in those two matches by a very good New Zealand team. We have to compete with them and become a better rugby team."
The New Zealand tour was overshadowed by allegations of a serious sexual assault involving four England players, and the England manager said members of the new squad would be reminded of their responsibilities in terms of conduct.
"A lot has been spoken about that after New Zealand. When we get together in August it will be one of the first things we discuss and the players will be under no illusions as to where responsibilities lie," he added.
England's favourite son, Jonny Wilkinson, also marks his return after an aggravating shoulder injury and should be fighting fit for England's next set of internationals which take place on home soil in November.
England Elite squad:
Forwards: Steve Borthwick, George Chuter, Jordan Crane, Tom Croft, Dylan Hartley, James Haskell, Nick Kennedy, Lee Mears, Lewis Moody, Luke Narraway, Tom Palmer, Tim Payne, Tom Rees, Simon Shaw, Andrew Sheridan, Matt Stevens, Phil Vickery.
Backs: Olly Barkley, Danny Care, Harry Ellis, Toby Flood, Riki Flutey, Shane Geraghty, Dan Hipkiss, Josh Lewsey, Jamie Noon, Pete Richards, Paul Sackey, James Simpson-Daniel, Mathew Tait, Tom Varndell, Jonny Wilkinson.
England Saxons squad:
Forwards: Steffon Armitage, Richard Blaze, Louis Deacon, Nick Easter, Jack Forster, Tom Guest, Jason Hobson, Chris Jones, Ben Kay, Michael Lipman, David Paice, George Skivington, Andy Titterrell, Joe Ward, David Wilson, Nick Wood, Joe Worsley.
Backs: Nick Abendanon, Anthony Allen, Matt Banahan, Mike Brown, Danny Cipriani, Ben Foden, Andy Goode, Paul Hodgson, Ryan Lamb, Ugo Monye, Topsy Ojo, David Strettle, Mike Tindall, Dominic Waldouck, Richard Wigglesworth.
