Rugby story by Gareth Bowman, Wed, 01 Feb 2006 09:28:00 GMT


LONDON - England coach Andy Robinson has selected what has been dubbed as a "safe" team for the Six Nations opener against Wales at Twickenham this Saturday. Lawrence Dallaglio finds himself on the bench for this clash and he said he was hoping that his selection meant that he would play for England in the 2007 World Cup.

Robinson has named Mike Tindall and Jamie Noon as centers although they have been severely criticized for their inept displays in the recent past. "It's all about this weekend. I've picked a team, a 22, that I think can beat Wales," Robinson said defending his team selection. "Last season we lost 11-9 in the last five minutes against Wales, but the team that won went on to generate momentum and win a Grand Slam. We need to create the space where we can use our power."

He also refused o concede that England would be adopting a conservative game plan on Saturday, something which many Rugby pundits say is unbecoming of the World Champions. "Against New Zealand (in November) we kicked a penalty to touch in the first minute and went for a driving lineout. Is that conservative?" Robinson queried.

He also defended selecting Joe Worsley, the Wasps flanker ahead of Dallaglio, "The strength of Joe is his tackling technique and I'm sure he'll get into the game. Having Lawrence on the bench shows the quality in the team," he said. Dallaglio admitted that it was disappointing to start on the bench, but said that if his chance came about, he would grab it, "Clearly, I'll get an opportunity at some stage, hopefully against Wales, and it's up to me to take that chance. I'm not used to making an impact off the bench because quite frankly I've never settled for being on the bench."

The England Team
Team: 15-Josh Lewsey; 14-Mark Cueto, 13-Jamie Noon, 12-Mike Tindall 11-Ben Cohen 10-Charlie Hodgson 9-Harry Ellis, 8-Martin Corry, 7-Lewis Moody, 6-Joe Worsley, 5-Danny Grewcock, 4-Steve Borthwick, 3 Matt Stevens, 2-Steve Thompson, 1-Andy Sheridan.

Substitutes: 16-Lee Mears, 17-Julian White, 18-Simon Shaw, 19-Lawrence Dallaglio, 20-Matt Dawson, 21-Andy Goode, 22-Tom Voyce.

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