England have selected a new team for the second game of a South African rugby tour against a Barbarians selection in Kimberley on Wednesday.
None of the starting line-up that suffered a 22-15 first Test loss to the Springboks has been included in a team that will be skippered by lock George Robson from Harlequins.
Robson follows in the leadership footsteps of club-mate and flank Chris Robshaw, who captained the Six Nations runners-up at Kings Park in Durban last Saturday.
“George has had a tremendous season, has made a great contribution to this tour already, both in training and as part of the leadership group, and I know he will captain the team well,” coach Stuart Lancaster said in a statement.
Inside centre Jordan Turner-Hall, scrum-half Danny Care and hooker Joe Gray are other stars from the London club who have been included for the first of two midweek games against the ‘Baa Baas’ on the three-week tour.
Premiership runners-up Leicester Tigers supply three of the team selected by Lancaster in outside centre Anthony Allen, lock Graham Kitchner and eighthman Thomas Waldrom.
Flank James Haskell, a late arrival on tour because of Super Rugby commitments with New Zealand side Otago Highlanders, gets his chance to push for a Test place on June 16 in Johannesburg and June 23 in Port Elizabeth.
Nick Abendanon, who flew to Johannesburg for a wedding and joined the squad Monday as a replacement for injured full-back Mike Brown, is among the replacements.
“Every one of the 22 is desperate to play. They have trained superbly and their attitude while waiting for a chance has been first class,” stressed Lancaster.
“There is a lot of competition for places across the board and Wednesday gives these players a chance to lay down a marker, and for the whole squad to build some momentum toward the Saturday Test.
“Only Ugo Monye and Alex Corbisiero will not have had any game time by the end of Wednesday, but there are still three games to go amd their opportunity will come.”
Barbarians have chosen players from the second tier of the domestic Currie Cup competition and the Kimberley team is captained by Eastern Province Kings inside centre Wayne Stevens.
Colin N
Guest
Yeah it was average wasn't it? There just wasn't any intensity, but that was probably down to the opposition who weren't much unfortunately. I'm sure that if a better South African team were put out England would raise their intensity accordingly.
Original Ben S
Roar Rookie
Well that was pretty poor. Really starting to get concerned about Lancaster and co. By the end of this series he really should have whittled down his core squad, but I get the impression Lancaster is still totally up in the air about certain positions.
Original Ben S
Roar Rookie
Bit of an odd selection in the midfield with two 12s starting. I also don't know why Charlie Hodgson is still getting games ahead of a younger player. The back row looks strong, but again no over the ball 7 (Fearns is another English 6.5) and Lancaster is playing a 5 (Kitchener) at 4. One area England is light in is traditional 4 locks.
Ben S
Guest
Thought Hartley needed to push harder and mount a good charge into the heart of the Bokke. He should be in this team to get back to his best. Haskell needs to watch his discipline and take it to the line. Whilst I believe Brown is injured, he should have gotten another crack to regain his confidence. All in all a solid outing and a solid side to play against.