Revitalised England ready for battle
Sarries pair Farrell and Barritt among new faces set to usher in new era against Scotland in Six Nations opener
SCOTLAND vs ENGLAND
ENGLAND head coach Stuart Lancaster has boldly predicted his new-look side will cast aside their relative inexperience and triumphantly usher in a new era for the national side by getting their Six Nations defence off to a winning start at Murrayfield tomorrow. The former Saxons coach announced his team yesterday and confirmed first starts for Saracens trio Owen Farrell, Brad Barritt and Mouritz Botha, as well as Leicester’s 30-year-old No8 Phil Dowson.
Lancaster also handed recalls to Sarries pair Charlie Hodgson, the fly-half rejuvenated by his summer move to the Premiership champions, and wing David Strettle in a side that features just six of the players who started against France in October’s miserable World Cup quarter final defeat.
Such wholesale change renders England something of an unknown quantity, but Lancaster, who was appointed on an interim basis following the departure of Martin Johnson in November, believes he has chosen a side that delivers on his promise to field “a team for now and a team for the future”.
“At the outset I talked about building a team that has longevity, and giving opportunities to new players,” said Lancaster.
“We also talked about developing a style of play that allows us to express ourselves in terms of talent from both an attacking and a defensive point of view, and I like to think we have been true to our word in this selection.
“We go to Murrayfield for the first time and experience it and that is part of our journey. Equally, we also know that the result is paramount at the weekend.”
Hodgson, 31, meanwhile, who will make his first England start in nearly four years, has backed his young club colleagues Farrell and Barritt to make instant impressions.
“Owen has an old head on young shoulders, he seems to smash through any obstacle,” he said.
“Brad is one of the most consistent players at Saracens week in and week out. He gives you everything you need and more as one of those guys who gets over the gain line, with ease.”
CALCUTTA CUP | TEAM LINE-UPS
ENGLAND
15. Ben Foden 22 caps
14. Chris Ashton 18 caps
13. Brad Barritt 0 caps
12. Owen Farrell 0 caps
11. David Strettle 7 caps
10. Charlie Hodgson 36 caps
9. Ben Youngs 17 caps
1. Alex Corbisiero 10 caps
2. Dylan Hartley 34 caps
3. Dan Cole 23 caps
4. Mouritz Botha 1 cap
5. Tom Palmer 33 caps
6. Tom Croft 31 caps
7. Chris Robshaw 1 cap
8. Phil Dowson 0 caps
TOTAL CAPS: 233
SCOTLAND
15. Rory Lamont 26 caps
14. Lee Jones 0 caps
13. Nick De Luca 29 caps
12. Sean Lamont 60 caps
11. Max Evans 24 caps
10. Dan Parks 66 caps
9. Chris Cusiter 55 caps
1. David Denton 1 cap
2. Ross Rennie 11 caps
3. Alasdair Strokosch 23 caps
4. Jim Hamilton 34 caps
5. Richie Gray 16 caps
6. Euan Murray 41 caps
7. Ross Ford 53 caps
8. Allan Jacobsen 60 caps
TOTAL CAPS: 499