Smith calls in the big guns

Huddersfield giant adds strength for Aussie tie

By Lizzie Rose   Last updated: 29th October 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Smith calls in the big guns

Crabtree: Big man to handle

Related links

Teams

Also see

England coach Tony Smith admits size mattered in his decision to re-shuffle the pack for Saturday's Four Nations clash with Australia.

One of the changes for the match at the DW Stadium sees Huddersfield's 6ft 6in prop Eorl Crabtree included in place of his Giants team-mate Scott Moore.

Smith has also opted to switch captain Jamie Peacock from the front to the second row to allow prop James Graham into the starting line-up, with the expectation of a fiery start in Wigan.

"We've got a big pack and we consider that as part of our strength," Smith

told a news conference at the team's Manchester hotel. "This is another way of having some more big people on the field.

"When I reviewed the game last week I thought James Graham was very good."

Crabtree has missed England's last two matches after undergoing minor knee surgery but an impressive season for the Giants and a notable performance against France in June has secured the front-rower a place on the bench.

Shining light

The nephew of the late wrestler 'Big Daddy', Crabtree weighs in at 18 stone and Smith admits he's a great presence to have in reserve.

"He's a big boy who has had a tremendous season this year," said Smith.

"Even when Huddersfield had a couple of lean games, he's still been a shining light for them.

"He's made a big impact for them off the bench. He's got some offload and some size and second-phase play to his game.

"He's a big man to handle and he's ready for it. He's been itching for this opportunity for years and years now."

The other change of personnel for Saturday's clash sees 20-year-old Wigan half-back Sam Tomkins replace scrum-half Richie Myler, who missed the closing stages of the opening game with concussion.

Meanwhile, the axing of Moore leaves James Roby as the only specialist hooker, and likely to play the full 80 minutes as England press for a place in the decider on November 14.

Outright 2009. Click here to bet.