Wilkinson out as Johnson wields axe
Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:24
Out in the cold? England No.10 Jonny Wilkinson
England manager Martin Johnson has dropped flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson from his starting side to play France in the Six Nations international in Paris on Saturday, in one of six changes to the side that drew with Scotland last weekend.
The World-Cup winning No.10 has paid the price for failing to spark England's backs in their lacklustre 15-15 draw away to Scotland last weekend, with the Toulon stand-off's place taken by former Newcastle understudy Toby Flood.
It was only the third time in his 77-cap career for England that Wilkinson, rugby union's record international points scorer, had been dropped when fit.
The 30-year-old stand-off was replaced by Paul Grayson in England's team to play South Africa in the quarter-finals of the 1999 World Cup in Paris by then coach Clive Woodward.
Wilkinson's place was also taken two years ago by the now out-of-favour Danny Cipriani against Ireland after another poor display against the
Scots.
But now he has been left out by England manager Martin Johnson - his captain when Wilkinson struck the extra-time drop-goal that won the 2003 World Cup final against Australia in Sydney.
Wilkinson was replaced early in the second half at Murrayfield by Flood after suffering a head injury. But he was sufficiently fit to be named on the bench by Johnson.
"Jonny took a number of bangs and heavy blows," Johnson told reporters at England's training base here on Wednesday.
"We need at least two players in every position and we would have been happy to pick Toby in every game so far."
Turning to Borthwick, Johnson added: "Steve Borthwick won't train today [Wednesday]. His injury was a little bit more serious than first thought.
"I hoped the scan he went for yesterday [Tuesday] would be clear but it showed something. He will be in a brace for two days and assessed again tomorrow [Thursday]."
Wilkinson was not
alone in being dropped by Johnson, who made six changes in all to his Murrayfield starting side.
Fullback Ben Foden was handed his first Test start after Delon Armitage, sent back to London Irish , was dropped.
Meanwhile Northampton's former Wigan rugby league wing Chris Ashton was set for his England debut after he came in to replace Ugo Monye, who suffered a neck injury against Scotland.
The 22-year-old Ashton is the leading try-scorer in the English Premiership so far this season with 12 in 14 appearances.
And there was a return for World Cup-winning centre Mike Tindall, only recently back from a hamstring injury, in what appeared to be a bid to strengthen England's midfield after Grand Slam chasing France recalled the powerful Mathieu Bastareaud in the only change to their side.
Mathew Tait dropped down to the bench to make way for Tindall.
"Mike coming into the centre is a tough call on Taity, who hasn't done much
wrong but Mike brings a physical edge to our midfield," said Johnson
"And Ben's form has been so good we have included him at fullback.
"Delon has not been playing as well as he can."
Up front, Lewis Moody returned to England's starting back-row after his replacement role against Scotland. Moody was down at openside with Joe Worsley moving across to blindside and Stade Francais's James Haskell on the bench.
Veteran lock Simon Shaw, fit after a shoulder injury, replaced Louis Deacon in the second row where England captain Steve Borthwick was cleared to start despite a knee problem.
England have won just twice this Six Nations, against Wales and Italy, and lost to defending champions Ireland before their draw with Scotland.
Team:
England: 15 Ben Foden; 14 Mark Cueto, 13 Mike Tindall, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Chris Ashton; 10 Toby Flood, 9 Danny Care; 8 Nick Easter, 7 Lewis Moody, 6 Joe
Worsley; 5 Steve Borthwick (captain), 4 Simon Shaw; 3 Dan Cole, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Tim Payne
Replacements: 16 Steve Thompson, 17 David Wilson, 18 Louis Deacon, 19 James Haskell, 20 Ben Youngs, 21 Jonny Wilkinson, 22 Mathew Tait
Date: Saturday, March 20
Venue: Stade de France
Kick-off: 19.45 GMT
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Alain Rolland (Ireland), Simon McDowell (Ireland)
Television match official: Nigel Whitehouse (Wales)
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