England names strong team

Jun 5, 2008 - 10:18 AM By Andrew Baldock PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

OTTAWA (Ticker) -- England Saxons will field five senior internationals in their team for Saturday's Barclays Churchill Cup opener against the United States.

Centers Ollie Smith and Anthony Allen, scrum-half Paul Hodgson, hooker George Chuter and flanker Chris Jones all feature for the Ottawa clash as the Saxons launch their defense of a trophy they won at Twickenham last year.

There is also an immediate opportunity for Leeds wing Tom Biggs, who joined the squad just prior to his departure for Canada after Leicester's Tom Varndell was called into England's New Zealand-bound senior squad.

Elsewhere, the highly-rated Ben Foden starts at fullback, with powerful Bath wing Matt Banahan also handed a chance to showcase his pace and power.

"Selection was very close in virtually all positions, and it certainly wasn't an easy process," Saxons head coach Steve Bates said. "We've picked a squad to combat what we expect from the USA, which is a very physical game.

"We expect to need reinforcements in the back row, and we are lucky to have such a wealth of talent to pick from."

Bates has named just two backs on the bench - Bath fullback Nick Abendanon and Harlequins wing Ugo Monye - which confirms the strength of the challenge he expects up front.

But if the Saxons can secure quality possession, then the onus will be on Gloucester fly-half Ryan Lamb to unleash a back division that appears laden with tries.

"Looking down our back line, it is very exciting to see so many players pushing for senior positions," Bates said. "I am especially pleased for Matt Banahan and Ben Foden, who will be making their England Saxons debuts, as will (prop) Nick Lloyd, and, if he gets on, (flanker) Steffon Armitage."