Saxons v Portugal: Teams
England Saxons have named a team of future prospects for their game against Portugal.
Last Updated: 28/01/09 3:43pm
England Saxons head coach Stuart Lancaster has named a host of youngsters in his squad to take on Portugal on Friday.
Five of England's squad that reached the final of the World Junior Championships are included, as well as other youngsters such as Guinness Premiership standouts Ed Barnes and Adam Powell.
In a particularly exciting back line, Leicester Tigers wing Tom Varndell teams up with Noah Cato of Saracens and Nick Abendanon of Bath.
Lancaster revealed that he is using the game to give his budding England prospects a chance to experience international competition.
Talent
"This is a team based on potential for the future and that's very much what England Saxons, and this game especially, is about," he said
"It's a great opportunity for a lot of young talented players to put a marker down on the international stage."
Although the game is primarily a showcase of England's young guns, Lancaster made sure to name a few older players, including a returning Harry Ellis, to bring some experience to the team.
"Then you've got the likes of Phil Dowson and Jordan Crane who will bring experience as well as their club form into the side.
"Harry has been outstanding all week in training and it'll be great for him to get some game time. I know the senior coaches are keen to see him back in action and this is the perfect stage."
England Saxons: 15 Nick Abendanon, 14 Tom Varndell, 13 Dominick Waldouck, 12 Adam Powell, 11 Noah Cato, 10 Ed Barnes, 9 Harry Ellis, 8 Phil Dowson (c), 7 Andy Saull, 6 Kearnan Myall, 5 George Skivington, 4 Jordan Crane, 3 Dave Wilson, 2 Rob Webber, 1 Dan Cole
Replacements: 16 Joe Ward, 17 Nathan Catt, 18 Tom Mercey, 19 Jon Fisher, 20 Joe Simpson, 21 Alex Goode, 22 Matt Smith
Portugal: TBC
