Johnson's faith in Tigers

England boss goes for all-Leicester back row

Last updated: 4th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Johnson's faith in Tigers

Tigers: Moody, Croft and Crane

LIVE ON SKY SPORTS
England v Australia
Sat, 2pm, Sky Sports 2 & HD2

SKY BET ODDS
Jonny Wilkinson is 25/1 to score a try, conversion, penalty and drop goal against Australia. Bet now.

Related links

Teams

Also see

England boss Martin Johnson has put his faith in an all-Leicester back row as he looks to quell the threat of Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

Former Tiger Johnson has opted to go for Tom Croft, Lewis Moody and Jordan Crane for the clash, meaning in-form Stade Francais flanker James Haskell will start on the bench.

Another Leicester man Louis Deacon gets the nod to partner captain Steve Borthwick in the second row, so 20-year-old Courtney Lawes will make his debut off the bench.

Nigerian-born Ayoola Erinle, now at Biarritz after spells at Leicester and Wasps, is also set to win his first cap after being included among the replacements.

Having released 10 players back to their clubs on Tuesday, Johnson has now confirmed his starting XV for the first of the Investec Series internationals.

Jonny Wilkinson will marshal the backline in his first international start since March 2008 - with a lot expected from his partnership with inside centre Shane Geraghty.

Form

Northampton star Geraghty has been in scintillating form this season - albeit at fly-half - and he finally makes his first start after three previous appearances off the bench.

Another Tiger Dan Hipkiss adds the power from outside centre, with Matt Banahan and Mark Cueto on the flanks and Ugo Monye slotting in at full-back.

Danny Care pips Paul Hodgson for the No.9 jersey, while in the pack injuries to Andrew Sheridan, Lee Mears and Phil Vickery means there is a new-look front row.

Dylan Hartley has failed to fully overcome a hamstring niggle to start, so Steve Thompson joins Tim Payne and David Wilson, who will make only his third appearance, in the front row.

Hartley is named on the bench alongside Duncan Bell to provide front-row cover, with Andy Goode also named among the replacements.

England: 15 Ugo Monye, 14 Mark Cueto, 13 Dan Hipkiss, 12 Shane Geraghty, 11 Matt Banahan, 10 Jonny Wilkinson, 9 Danny Care, 1 Tim Payne, 2 Steve Thompson, 3 David Wilson, 4 Louis Deacon, 5 Steve Borthwick (capt), 6 Tom Croft, 7 Lewis Moody, 8 Jordan Crane.
Replacements: 16 Dylan Hartley, 17 Duncan Bell, 18 Courtney Lawes, 19 James Haskell, 20 Paul Hodgson, 21 Andy Goode, 22 Ayoola Erinle.

Comments (71)

Keith Reeves says...

I really don't think this squad looks too bad given all the injuries at the moment and the team selected to play looks to have a good shape about it. Whether they have the experience or class to overcome the Aussies yet remains to be seen but I am optimistic. I agree with Moody over Armitage as I believe Moody is better in the loose and compliments the talents of the rest of the pack, we dont need another big ball carrier type. No matter what everyone seems to think Borthwick is here to stay for as long as Johnno so we should all back them and Sarries aren't doing too bad at the moment are they. Would like to see Monye on the wing as he is excellent there but understand England lack a proven class experienced full back at the moment. Wilkinson brings proven class and experience with him at fly half and can't wait to see Wilko bring the best out of Geraghty.

Posted 12:35 6th November 2009

Stevo 8 says...

i'm a Leicester fan, and like most people i agree that we need some athletisim in the pack and deacon is not that type of player. Obviously injuires have impacted massively on Johnno's selection choice and i think that he has done a good job with those avaliable to him. To me it does not matter which club a player comes from, all that matters to me is that they put in a good performance, on the pitch in an england shirt on saturday. We should support the team not moan about which clubs players are from. Finally, no one cares if you have moved a piano with jonny.......fool

Posted 16:59 5th November 2009

Nigel Jones says...

Well its started already will someone tell Mr Johnson that the fact they wear a Tigers shirt on a Saturday doesnt give them a god given right to an England shirt!! Deacon at lock you are kidding you need a big nasty driving horrible sod not another pudding and Courtney Lawes is that man. If you want an athletic lock pick the leading one in the Premiership Nick Kennedy. Again England are going to be predictable a hooker who was dynamic 6 years ago two lumbering second rows and an 8 who has played his best rugby for the Saxons as a 2 nd row! The only good option at eight is Ward Smith but is injury prone. Can Haskell move across to 8 if you dont play there week in week out why do people think you can play there at international level. The battle of the open sides last week proved old and crafty is better than young and bullish, Armitage scares no one but your looking twice for Moody. The backs Danny Care should shut up and put up he is all mouth Hodgson, or Simpson are playing better, Wilkinson the jury is out I hope he is back and firing. Banahan well the world is trying to find another Jonah Lomu forget it he was a one off, the one strength in English rugby is wingers shame we have no way of getting the ball to them besides cross kicks. Monye at full back is he picked at fullback to get him the team or truely is there no other fullbacks available? Its as good a chance to get off to a good season start as England will ever have, but please play some rugby ball in hand and have Wilkinsons boot there to keep the Opposition honest but not as England primary weapon. England by 3 or Australia by 23

Posted 15:03 5th November 2009

J J says...

I agree with Gareth Powell, he seems pretty cluded up! Any one is better at 8 than Nick Easter or more aptly Nick Easter Egg! Also I think Thomas Hallet has pointlessly dropped in the fact that he moved a Piano with Wilko - who cares??

Posted 13:32 5th November 2009

Gareth Powell says...

Once again I feel its important to point out that we don't know the possible issues with certain players, and reasons for their selections. It doesn't bother me which club a player earns his money from, what does bother me is when a player simply doesn't seem to be international standard. Andy Goode is, and always will be a good club player. However, in previous England matches he hasn't played to the levels shown at club level. And in responce to Pete Collins, I don't think Goode has the fitness/ skill levels to be considered an international 12. From memory the only tackle I've seen him make was a late charge on Wilko when playing for the tigers. With the boiler room debate, as much as I'd love to see a Shaw/ Kennedy combo, you have to feel that if one man knows a good international lock when he sees one its Johnson, he clearly knows more than most, certainly me, in that area. Myles Stringer, I'm a Garaghty fan, but would rather a (when fit) Tindell/ Tait partnership. Keep Garaghty at 10. Personally I feel any 8 is better than Easter, who is a good club player but goes missing when playing for England.

Posted 12:00 5th November 2009

Joe Mitchell says...

This team in context isn't really as bad as people on here make it out to be, I get so fed with those who are always full of doom and gloom, those pressing for Kennedy clearly haven't heard what the guy himself has said, knowing that he needs to hit rucks harder etc, at the end of the day can you include a player just for lineout, maybe Deacon wasn't the right man put Locks do alot more than just win lineout ball. This season Crane has clearly been given a hard job to do at Leicester with all the injuries they have had, but those who watched the saxons a couple of seasons ago would have seen him as one of the most dynamic and offloading number 8's out there, plus his control at the back of the scrum is much better than most out there which could be a key feature on Saturday, as i'm sure i'm not the only one who is worried about what could happen to our front row! In general the backs look good, slightly worried about Care as he can do stuptid things at times. At the end of the day pratically everone on here will critise who ever he picked, after all it's British culture these days.

Posted 11:42 5th November 2009

Dave B says...

While I am not in total agreement with the match day squad (Kennedy, Haskell & Tait would be in my XV & the bench wouldn't include Goode or Erinle), I also look at MJ's view. He has to develop the side but the Lions tour & injury crisis is preventing him from having continuity in selection. He also has to win games as firstly it keeps the press & fans off his back and secondly (and more importantly) makes it easier to integrate the young talent available. The side he has selected is, I'm sure, not his ideal choice so he has gone for experience (Thompson, Borthwick, Moody, Wilkinson, Cueto) & partnerships like the all Leicester back row to try & win a game. International rugby is a huge step up from the GP so to throw the likes of Lawes & Foden (irrespective of talent) into the mix as well could be disastrous with all the other inexperience on the field. As I said, its not my ideal selection but I think it is capable of winning on Saturday.

Posted 10:43 5th November 2009

Thomas Hallet says...

I think the choice of Wilko is the right descision. He is definatley the form fly half in the country. I actually know him (I moved a piaon with him) and I belive he is up to the task and is a really headstrong guy who can handle the pressure. I also know Jonno and he is quite imposing and I defy anyone to tell him to his face that his team choice is wrong.

Posted 09:50 5th November 2009

Chris Chandler says...

Perplexing is a word rarely used in the right circumstances, but none more appropriate than to describe MJ's latest squad/team selection. Is this a man before us who's fear of losing far outweighs his desire to win, a man who values winning the battle over the war, a man who would rather place confidence in those who have continually fallen just shy of the mark rather than dare to have faith in the youth of tomorrow. Experience is a commodity that is bestowed upon talent, it should not be a selection criteria on its own. Admittedly to win matches, an element of ¿been here, done that, got the caps to prove it¿ is beneficial, but that should only be when winning matters most. Surely the Autumn Internationals give rise to the perfect concoction of ingredients with which to blood new talent; there is no cup at stake, we have a plethora of injuries, the opposition are equally disjointed and there is a overabundance of rising stars coming through European ranks from which to choose. And to add to this, I believe MJ once said himself that you often learn more from a defeat than you do from a victory¿.would it therefore not be sensible to throw caution into the wind, dare to welcome change and for once, Martin, once, value the performance over the result¿ Remember you were given this job for the World Cup 2011, not just till Christmas.

Posted 09:50 5th November 2009

Andre Aumata says...

I think we are all in agreement that this isn't the best England team we hae seen for a few seasons, we all know the injury crisis that has hit the team, so why not use it as an excuse to blood new players. The autum internationals don't really mean that much, not compared to the 6 nations. And lets face it, none of the home nations sre going to trouble the southern teams. Care and Hodgson, fit and playing well, so can you justify a Joe Simpson or Micky Young. Both are better passes than care and faster than Hodgson? Wilkinson, only 30 and fit, his form is strong so its a natural yes, but Goode? he had his chance. Lamb?, Geraghty, great options. 12, Anthony Allen is in form, OK he plays for leceister, Hipkiss, playing well, unfortunately Waldouck is injured. An abundance of wings and fullbacks. Ashton mention once or twice? Varndell?Sackey?Abendanon?Foden? great players would have been nice to see them all. Forwards, well the Kennedy saga wil roll on till he retires. Borthwick, glad he's playing for England, I'm a kiwi and I couldn't stand watching him either. Lawes, great stuff. Back 3, lets give them a chance on sat if they don't cut the mustard then change them. Back row changes either make the game or break the game. Corbiseiro, why not, fine prop maybe a bit young. Thompson, he's had his time Try Joe Duffy also from leciester. Kiwi lad and far better than Chuter etc. Don't write the northern teams off though. For once its only the Welsh who are stting the pace for running their mouth, so lets haope the kiwis smash them up. Still don't write them off as well. Bring on sat.

Posted 07:39 5th November 2009

Collin Nunn says...

Team seems ok considering all the injuries. But, have to agree with comments made about Deacon and Goode. Both are just not good enough.

Posted 07:21 5th November 2009

Owen Cleary says...

Why don't ye give them a chance before ye crucify them!! English supporters are always looking to put their team down before they even walk on the pitch! Borthwick is his captain!! Get over it!! Front row what choice did he have?? Four front rows injured!! Deacon is good choice!! Shaw will come back into it of course!! Kennedy is good in the lineout but powderpuff around the paddock. Leicster back row!! Smart Decision!! Has a nice balance with Croft as the major ball carrier and Crane and Moody to offer control and aggression!! Haskell can come off bench for impact!! Care,right call!! Johnny, nuff said!! Centres, pick themselves!! Tait could be a great player but he needs to leave Sale and get some experience at 2nd centre!! Back 3, look for Cueto to slot in at FB in defence and Monye to get as much space as possible!! Banahan could be awsome!! As 4 Goode who else is there?? Plus he's not as bad as people make out!! P.S. I am Irish so have no favourites on the team!! England to win! Johhny to kick 20+

Posted 05:07 5th November 2009

Andreas Vaieccilio says...

I think martin has made a few mistakes with his selections ,and he seems to have just gone the tgers route , iam sorry to say as an australian who lives in the uk , if lawes was australian he would have played , the same as haskell ,and poor ben foden , as for thompson very poor england 12 australia 26

Posted 22:57 4th November 2009

Nick Hallinan says...

I certainly agree with the majority of comments thus far, there are the obvious Leicester fans trying to defed such a poor selection, but overall the fans are right. What is Johnson on? I know he's got a job (on paper) to take England to the next world cup, but if we're getting spanked week in week out because he's either selecting his mates or being told who to pick through the 'old boys' network, then Martin, mate, you need to rethink your career choice. We are not going to beat Australia with this team, simple as that. The backs scream 'quick attacking rugby' and the forwards scream 'slow, boring, Leicester style rugby', hardly condusive to a winning style of rugby. The fans deserve better, the fans deserve a captain who should be there, not only on form but presence as well, the players of the future deserve a chance to show what they can do, why is Foden, Kennedy, Worsley, Clarke, Varndell, Sackey, Ward, Hodgson, etc not being given the chance? Why is Andy Goode on the bench? He's not a world class fly half, and I don't think any opposition will be too concerned about seeing him on the pitch. To make a point to some of the previous comments, Leicester ARE NOT the most consistent team in the premiership over the years, that would go to Wasps, the most exciting team this season is London Irish and Saracens, why are none of their young guys being given the chance? And another thing, why hasn't Jonno's old mate Neil Back told him to give the Leeds No.7 a go? He's qualified and by far the form openside in the premiership, turning over ball last weekend at will. Instead he's opted of the penalty machine Lewis Moody, who was outclassed by Armitage last week, but still gets the nod. Leicester fan or not, this is not acceptable and Rob Andrew needs to keep a close eye on this, or it could cost them both dearly in the long term.

Posted 21:39 4th November 2009

Simon Henderson says...

I really hope that Johnson has got it right, he was a fantastic player but yet to prove it as a coach. This is not an exciting England side picked for the future, he has picked a boring side to grind out a result against the Aussies. Foden should be at full back as he breaks defences all the time, Monye on the wing where he plays his best rugby and Tait and Geraghty in the centre, Banahan ok for the other wing and the half backs pick themselves, This is probably the best front row we have as all others are injured, but what is he doing picking Deacon, he is not international class and he has left out the best lineout jumper in the league Nick Kennedy, we seem to be going backwards in the Row, if we are picking players who are in form, why is Deacon in ( only Johnson knows) The back row is a good unit but not dynamic I would have gone with, Haskell ( in great form) Armitage ( playing very well for Irish) and Moody at 6 ( who is playing well for the tigers) We need to be now thinking of the young guns for the world cup, so hopefully Lawes and Co will get their chance. Last thing what is Goode still doing in the squad ... the mind boggles!

Posted 19:59 4th November 2009

Matthew Todd says...

Allan Crawford-plane..clearly we are not talking literally when we say johnson is picking his 'mates' so to speak but can you honestly say that his past experiences have no effect on him? Courtney Lawes is an exceptional young talent, fast, strong decent with the ball in hand, an all round athlete. louis deacon on the other hand is a carthorse. how he merits his place at all is bemusing. Lewis Moody in my opinion should not be starting either, steffon armitage is the future for england at openside and to not include him in the squad at all is ridiculous. Im not even going to begin on Andy Goode as i could talk all day about why he should not be in the squad. other than that the back line seems to be as strong as it could in the current situation although i feel ben foden should at least have a spot on the bench. Lets hope this seemingly conservative selection does not dictate the sytle of rugby that the team will play because with Australia as unstable as they are, there is an opportunity for a real confidence boosting english win that could be missed.

Posted 19:27 4th November 2009

Myles Stringer says...

Firstly, has Steve Thompson done enough to warrant selection, let alone start. If Hartley isn't fit to start, why is he on the bench? secondly, Louis Deacon has done very little in years, and 4 some reason he is starting in an england shirt over Nick Kennedy. Jordan Crane, is about as Dynamic as the chair i am sitting in. you want to compete against the best in the world you need a mobile pack, Haskell? Ward-smith? the back 3 is also a very debatable selection. for me Banahan hasnt been the player he was last season (although i am not his biggest fan) Mark Cueto has done nothing again this season, yet is starting in an England jersey. what has Simpson-Daniel got to do? and thirdly, i do rate Monye, but not at Fullback... Foden may not b impressing as much as last season, but is still doing a job. Simpson Daniel, Monye and foden at 15 would be a far more destructable selection than the one chosen. Erinle..... how can he get into the squad now, when he has moved country and isnt getting in to that starting team either, this hasnt got anything to do with him spending a short spell at leicester has it? for me it's a massive shame that Waldouck got injured, i think thats a big loss. i like the selection of the half backs and midfield. i think geraghty at 12 is a great decision, i understand what was mentioned earlier about him not being a big ball line carrier, but not all 12s have to play like that. with shane there he can play moves 1 out, maybe find weaknesses out wide (hopefully not ours)

Posted 19:20 4th November 2009

Paul Raybould says...

Stupid comments from some stupid so called England supporters. Do you lot watch or play rugby? Tigers this Tigers that, get over it and support Jonno and England or go with the football fans and moan with them lot.

Posted 19:04 4th November 2009

Ben Baseley says...

Given the inexperience on display elsewhere on the field, I am disappointed with the conservative nature of Cueto's selection. A great finisher at the start of his career his form has fallen with his confidence. Cato or Ashton should have been given some consideration, as indeed should Kennedy - the country's leading Lock - in the Second Row. Deacon is strictly average in comparison. Lawes makes a good selection from the bench; his strength and abrasive efforts around the pitch will offer a definitive impact should change be required.

Posted 18:52 4th November 2009

Mark Hammond says...

What is all this French Connection about ? Jonny and Haskell yes but Goode,Thomson and Erinle really ? Has Gatland got through with his criticism of the English premiership perhaps ?-Surely IF we are going to pick people on form and prepare for the future then the likes of Kennedy, Foden ,Strettle ,Joe Simpson and jon Clarke should get a chance.-Foden in particular has real flair and attacking ability;most comments on this forum thought he should be included?-But NO !Andy Goode and Erinle both pedestrian, at best,are on the bench instead.Unlike the cynics I feel England could have a bright future IF the young guns are given a run of games.But on this basis I must question what input is Brian Smith as ATTACK coach giving and what is the point in sticking with the likeable but ineffectual Borthwick-as player and captain.Apart from the Laws inclusion I feel very uninspired .I feel that since the Ashton era we have gone backwards and this nothing to do with injuries as Flutey,Armitage and Sheridan are the only real losses.

Posted 18:51 4th November 2009

Add Comment*

Send us your views

Are you a Sky Sports subscriber?

*All fields required, your email address will be kept private