Morgan handed first cap

By Tony Curtis  

Morgan handed first cap

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Olly Morgan is to be handed his England debut against Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday after Iain Balshaw failed a fitness test.

Balshaw, Morgan's Gloucester club colleague, had been given more time on Thursday to try and shake off a groin injury, however further tests on Friday have now ruled the former Bath and Leeds man out.

Morgan, who had been placed on standby earlier in the week, had been due to play for England Saxons in their international against Italy A on Friday night - however, he will now go straight into the starting XV for the RBS Six Nations opener.

It had been thought the 21-year-old would start on the bench if Balshaw was ruled out, with Josh Lewsey or Jason Robinson moving to full-back and Mathew Tait coming in on the wing.

But new coach Brian Ashton has put his confidence in Morgan by handing him a first start.

Ashton said: "I believe we need to pick the best players in their right positions.

"Mathew Tait has only played full-back once in his life, and I did not consider moving Lewsey or Robinson because they are best on the wing.

"Olly was very close to playing during the autumn before he was injured. He has all the qualities of an old-fashioned full-back, which he will find handy against Scotland.

"He is good under the high ball, he is strong and I am sure when the time is right he will come into the attack."

Balshaw's withdrawal comes 24 hours after Lewis Moody was ruled out and replaced by Tom Rees.