England make 11 changes to face France07.08.2007 15:00 SportsBy Timothy Collings LONDON (Reuters) - Head coach Brian Ashton on Tuesday announced 11 changes to the England rugby team selected to meet France in a World Cup warm-up match at Twickenham on Saturday. Forward Dan Ward-Smith was released from the squad after failing to prove his fitness following a knee injury. Ashton said he had talked to Ward-Smith about his fitness on Monday and they agreed the player was not ready for the warm-up fixtures. "There is a big difference between playing in a game to aid rehabilitation and playing to prepare for the World Cup," Ashton said. "He is better off going back to (his club) Bristol and proving his fitness. He could be called up as cover for the squad if he plays two or three games." Ashton retained only four of the team that thrashed Wales 62-5 last Saturday in his 15 for the first of two meetings with the World Cup hosts France this month. Former captain Lawrence Dallaglio was recalled at number eight, for his first start since 2004, and flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson, who kicked 17 points last weekend, moved to the bench. The four survivors of England's record win over the Welsh are Shaun Perry, Andrew Sheridan, Simon Shaw and Mark Regan. Continued... Source: reuters.comwww.alllee.com |
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