England Saxons Team v Canada - Churchill Cup Final 2010
By RFU Press Release
June 17 2010
ENGLAND SAXONS Head Coach Stuart Lancaster has announced an experienced side to face Canada in Saturday's cup final of the Churchill Cup (kick off 7.45pm BST).
England Saxons Team for 2010 Churchill Cup Final
Goode starts at fly half
Lancaster has made only four changes to the squad that beat USA in Sunday's pool clash and one positional change.
Alex Goode (Saracens), who contributed 10 points at fly half to the 32-9 victory over the hosts, will start at full back to cover for Nick Abendanon (Bath Rugby) who starts on the wing.
James Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester Rugby) returns to the match day 22 to take his place on the other wing in place of Ollie Smith (Harlequins).
In the centre Northampton's Jon Clarke starts in place of Brad Barritt (Saracens) who has been called up to the senior tour in Australia.
Stephen Myler (Northampton Saints) starts at Fly half with Tom Wood (Worcester Warriors) coming in to replace Kearnan Myall (Leeds Carnegie) who takes his place on the bench.
The front row remains unchanged.
Lancaster said, "We are all looking forward to the final on Saturday and we are expecting a tough challenge from Canada.
"They deserved their win over France A and proved that not only are they well coached but have players in key positions that are a real threat.
"We have sat down and looked at our performance against USA and looked at areas we can improve. The move from Denver to New York has been smooth so we have managed to get in a couple of sessions to work on these areas.
"Selection has been difficult, for the right reasons, the players have had a fantastic attitude throughout our three weeks and there were some tight calls. We also realise that the replacements will play a key role and that has been in our thoughts.
"It has been a long season for all the players but they are looking forward to one last effort in the final."
England Saxons
15 Alex Goode (Saracens)
14 James Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester Rugby)
13 Jon Clarke (Northampton Saints)
12 Anthony Allen (Leicester Tigers)
11 Nick Abendanon (Bath Rugby)
10 Stephen Myler (Northampton Saints)
9 Lee Dickson (Northampton Saints)
1 Nick Wood (Gloucester Rugby)
2 Andy Titterrell (Leeds Carnegie)
3 Alex Corbiserio (London Irish)
4 James Hudson (Newcastle Falcons)
5 George Skivington (Captain, London Wasps)
6 Tom Wood (Worcester Warriors)
7 Andy Saull (Saracens)
8 Luke Narraway (Gloucester Rugby)
Replacements
16 Rob Vickers (Newcastle Falcons)
17 Duncan Bell (Bath Rugby)
18 Graham Kitchener (Worcester Warriors)
19 Kearnan Myall (Leeds Carnegie)
20 Micky Young (Newcastle Falcons)
21 Ollie Smith (Harlequins)
22 Tom Varndell (London Wasps)