Manu Tuilagi will start at outside centre for England’s final warm-up game against Ireland in Dublin as one of six changes made by Martin Johnson from the side that slumped to defeat against Wales in Cardiff.
Replacing Shontayne Hape, Tuilagi lines up at 13 with Mike Tindall moving to the unfamilar role of inside centre outside Jonny Wilkinson at fly-half.
Northampton’s prolific winger Chris Ashton replaces Matt Banahan, while Andrew Sheridan will make his first appearance for England since the RBS 6 Nations at the expense of Alex Corbisiero.
Tom Croft slots in at blindside flanker in place of Tom Wood who is relegated to the bench, while James Haskell takes advantage of Hendre Fourie’s omission from the World Cup squad to take the seven jersey.
More worryingly for Johnson, Ben Youngs is still not fit and concern will be mounting over whether he will be ready for England’s World Cup opener against Argentina in a fortnight.
However Johnson, who is desperate for a win to avenge the thumping defeat which cost England the Grand Slam back in March, insists England are in good shape heading into the World Cup in New Zealand.
“We expect a hugely competitive game in Dublin and it gives us the ideal run out before we depart for the World Cup,” said Johnson.
“These warm-up fixtures have been valuable in terms of our preparation for the World Cup, giving players game time together.
“We are pleased to see Andrew Sheridan back in the mix after working hard to get back to full fitness and he, along with Chris Ashton, will make his first start since meeting up in camp.
“Mike Tindall captains the side and, as he reaches another milestone in the game [equalling Will Carling’s record for most England caps in the centres], he further demonstrates the level of quality and experience he brings to the side as a player and leader.”
15. Ben Foden – Northampton 14. Chris Ashton – Northampton 13. Mike Tindall – Gloucester 12. Manu Tuilagi – Leicester 11. Mark Cueto – Sale 10. Jonny Wilkinson – Toulon 9. Richard Wigglesworth – Saracens 1. Andrew Sheridan – Sale 2. Steve Thompson – Wasps 3. Dan Cole – Leicester 4. Louis Deacon – Leicester 5. Courtney Lawes – Northampton 6. Tom Croft – Leicester 7. James Haskell – Ricoh Black Rams 8. Nick Easter – Harlequins
Replacements: 16. Dylan Hartley – Northampton 17. Matt Stevens – Saracens 18. Simon Shaw – Unattached 19. Tom Wood – Northampton 20. Joe Simpson – Wasps 21. Toby Flood – Leicester 22. Delon Armitage – London Irish
