Haskell England’s only change

James Haskell is the only change to the England starting XV for Saturday's clash with South Africa. [more]

Haskell England’s only change

James Haskell is the only change to the England starting XV for Saturday’s clash with South Africa.

The Wasps flanker replaces Leicester’s Tom Croft in the No6 shirt from the side that lost 28-14 to Australia, with Croft dropping to the bench.

Martin Johnson makes just one more alteration to his matchday 22 as uncapped No8 Jordan Crane takes the place of Bath skipper Michael Lipman among the substitutes.

Having made his international debut against Wales in the 2007 Six Nations, Haskell missed out on selection for the World Cup later that year but has since taken his tally of England caps into double figures.

The 23-year-old, who came on as a second-half replacement against teh Wallabies last Saturday, will win his 11th cap against the World Champions having been widely tipped for a Lions berth prior to the start of the current season.

2001 Lion Phil Vickery keeps his place at tight-head prop after being chosen ahead of 2005 tourist Matt Stevens against the Wallabies, while fellow Lions Andrew Sheridan and Simon Shaw are included at loosehead and on the bench respectively.

England: Delon Armitage; Paul Sackey, Jamie Noon, Ricki Flutey, Ugo Monye; Danny Cipriani, Danny Care; Andrew Sheridan, Lee Mears, Phil Vickery, Steve Borthwick (captain), Tom Palmer, James Haskell, Tom Rees, Nick Easter

Replacements: Dylan Hartley, Matt Stevens, Simon Shaw, Tom Croft, Jordan Crane, Harry Ellis, Toby Flood

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