- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
The return of fit-again prop Andrew Sheridan was the only change as England rugby manager Martin Johnson named his team to play France in this weekend’s Six Nations clash.
Sheridan, a late withdrawal from the side which beat Italy 59-13 earlier this month, is restored at loosehead in place of Alex Corbisiero, who drops to the replacements bench ahead of the injured David Wilson.
Lewis Moody, who returned to club duty for Bath last weekend after suffering a knee injury in January, missed out on the matchday 22 after suffering a setback during training this week.
Moody’s continued absence means experienced centre Mike Tindall will retain the captaincy after leading England in the earlier wins over Wales and Italy.
The back row line-up also remains unchanged, with Stade Francais flanker James Haskell staying at openside, Nick Easter at number eight and Tom Wood on the blindside.
In the front row, Sheridan will partner hooker Dylan Hartley and tighthead Dan Cole, while Tom Palmer and Louis Deacon are retained at lock.
In the backs, scrum-half Ben Youngs continues his flourishing partnership with No.10 Toby Flood, while Tindall is joined at centre by New Zealand-born rugby league convert Shontayne Hape.
The English starting XV is completed by the side’s vaunted back three of wings Chris Ashton and Mark Cueto and fullback Ben Foden.
England (15-1): Ben Foden; Chris Ashton, Mike Tindall (capt), Shontayne Hape, Mark Cueto; Toby Flood, Ben Youngs; Nick Easter, James Haskell, Tom Wood; Tom Palmer, Louis Deacon; Dan Cole, Dylan Hartley, Andrew Sheridan
Replacements: Alex Corbisiero, Hendre Fourie, Danny Care, Jonny Wilkinson, Steve Thompson, Simon Shaw, Matt Banahan
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.