E-mail Article 
Print-Friendly Version 
Subscribe to RSS FeedFarrell gets the nod
Farrell: Cometh the hour?
England coach Brian Ashton has named his side for Saturday's quarter-final clash with Australia at Stade Vélodrome in Marseille, opting to name Andy Farrell outside Jonny Wilkinson at the expense of Olly Barkley.
There is also a recall for Jason Robinson, who has recovered from a hamstring strain, and Phil Vickery, who will captain the side after ousting Matt Stevens from his berth at tighthead.
Robinson's return to the fray means Josh Lewsey is shunted out to the wing, duly knocking Mark Cueto out of the side - and off the bench.
Hooker Mark Regan, preferred to George Chuter, joins Vickery in the front row. Simon Shaw, as expected, replaces Steve Borthwick in the engine-room.
Lewis Moody wins his 50th cap in an unchanged back row from the win over Tonga, with Lawrence Dallaglio and Joe Worsley to lend support from the bench. Tom Rees, England's only specialist openside, gets the day off.
Ashton explained the inclusion of Farrell ahead of Barkley was down to leadership and defence.
Farrell's career in the 15-man game has been severely disrupted by injuries, but he now faces his biggest game since switching codes and joining Saracens.
But Ashton is a big fan of the former Wigan star and has no doubts that the centre is ready for Saturday's challenge.
"For this game we need the direct approach Andy Farrell brings," he said.
"He has come on a couple of times now as a replacement and done, I feel, particularly well.
"He has been a threat to opposition lines in terms of his kicking game, defensive work and general leadership and game management.
"That is what we are looking to bring to the game on Saturday."
Robinson limped off during England's record 36-0 World Cup loss to the Springboks 19 days ago, nursing an injury that forced him to miss the Samoa and Tonga games. But he now returns for his 49th cap in what could be his final competitive match before retirement.
Ashton admitted that he thought Robinson had already played his game when he limped off in the defeat to the Boks, but is now hoping the former Sale Sharks star's selection will strike fear into Australian hearts.
"Jason Robinson is an outstanding player - everyone knows that," said Ashton.
"The Australians have commented on that and we are delighted he is fit and available,"
Meanwhile, Ashton put Vickery's recall down to the need for experience in the scrum.
"It is important we get the most experienced players in the front five on the field this week. It will be a massive battle area," he said.
"The changes in the front row signify we are looking for a strong emphasis scrummaging wise at the weekend."
Of the selected XV, Robinson, Lewsey, Vickery, Ben Kay and fly-half Jonny Wilkinson are the only survivors from the side that beat the Wallabies 20-17 in the final of Rugby World Cup 2003.
Saturday's victors will secure a semi-final clash against tournament favourites New Zealand or host nation France in Paris on October 13.
England: 15 Jason Robinson, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Mathew Tait, 12 Andy Farrell, 11 Josh Lewsey, 10 Jonny Wilkinson, 9 Andy Gomarsall, 8 Nick Easter, 7 Lewis Moody, 6 Martin Corry, 5 Ben Kay, 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Phil Vickery (c), 2 Mark Regan, 1 Andrew Sheridan.
Replacements: 16 George Chuter, 17 Matt Stevens, 18 Lawrence Dallaglio, 19 Joe Worsley, 20 Peter Richards, 21 Olly Barkley, 22 Dan Hipkiss.
Date: Saturday, 6 October
Kick-off: 15:00 (14:00 BST; 13:00 GMT)
Venue: Stade Vélodrome, Marseille
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)
Touch judges: Paul Honiss (New Zealand), Nigel Owens (Wales)
Television match official: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
Assessor: Tappe Henning (South Africa)
