Northampton Saints : England U21s team for crucial French test

National Academy coaches Jim Mallinder and Dorian West have today selected the starting line-up for England’s penultimate Six Nations clash against France this Saturday and have included both Northampton Saints Academy's Dylan Hartley and Alex Rae. The fixture, billed as a championship decider, will determine which team goes into the final round unbeaten.

Mallinder said: “The French are a very strong side with a good record in this championship and they certainly won’t want their first loss to be against us especially in front of a home crowd. We expect a very tough game but we’re well prepared and looking forward to the challenge.”

Making his first England U21s appearance this season is experienced Newcastle Falcons fly-half Toby Flood who last week proved his fitness in the Guinness Premiership after recovering from an injury sustained at the start of the season.

“Toby’s been a part of our plans from the start,” said Mallinder. “Unfortunately he got injured but we’ve been fortunate to have good strength in the midfield and great options to choose from. Toby will bring the experience he’s gained playing in this year's Guinness Premiership to such an important game.”

Also joining the squad for the first time is Northampton Saints forward Rae. Rae replaces Chris Robshaw, who broke his leg in training with NEC Harlequins last week. Hartley has been selected at his more familiar position at hooker.

Dorian West said: “We all sympathise with Chris and we wish him well with his recovery, bBut this is a good opportunity for Alex who was involved with last year’s successful England U19s squad and gives us excellent cover. He’s also played a fair bit in the Premiership and A league this season.”

The match also sees another Quins player, prop Alex Rogers, make his first appearance in the run on side.

Mallinder added: “Alex did very well against Scotland when he came on and deserves a start.”

The squad will travel to Perigueux tomorrow morning.

England U21s team to play France

Saturday, March 11, 2006, Perigueux Stadium, 5.30pm (4.30pm UK time)

15. Mike Brown – NEC Harlequins
14. Thom Evans – London Wasps
13. Matt Cornwell – Leicester Tigers (captain)
12. Anthony Allen – Gloucester
11. Nick Abendanon – Bath Rugby
10. Toby Flood – Newcastle Falcons
9. Ben Foden – Sale Sharks
1. Alex Rogers – NEC Harlequins
2. Dylan Hartley – Northampton Saints
3. David Wilson – Newcastle Falcons
4. Richard Blaze – Worcester Warriors
5. Tom Croft – Leicester Tigers
6. James Haskell – London Wasps
7. Michael Hills – Sale Sharks
8. Jordan Crane – Leeds Tykes

Replacements
16. Neil Briggs – Sale Sharks
17. Mark Lambert – NEC Harlequins
18. Sean Cox – Sale Sharks
19. Alex Rae – Northampton Saints
20. Nick Runciman – Worcester Warriors
21. Ryan Lamb – Gloucester
22. Topsy Ojo – London Irish