Steve Thompson starts for Inglaterra!

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By Saint George
June 19 2002

Its a case of the young apprentice taking on the old master on Saturday in Buenos Aires as Steve Thompson comes face to face with ex Saint Freddie Mendez. Both are lined up at hooker for their respective countries in the Argentina v England test.

Wally though is hardly the wet behind the ears young hooking hopeful he was when Freddie left the club after the Euro triumph in 2000. On Freddies departure young Steve took the opportunity and made the No.2 shirt his own fighting off Steve Brotherstone who many saw as Freddies replacement.

Such was his run of form there was no option for Clive Woodward but to pick him for England in the Six Nations and with five caps under his belt he is one of the more 'experienced' of the depleted English side which takes the field on Saturday.

With the Pumas having already narrowly beaten the French it could prove to be an interesting contest.

M Horak (London Irish); T Stimpson (Leicester), G Appleford (London Irish), B Johnston (Saracens), P Christophers (Bristol); C Hodgson (Sale), A Gomarsall (Gloucester); D Flatman (Saracens), Steve Thompson (NORTHAMPTON SAINTS), P Vickery (Gloucester, capt), A Codling (Harlequins), B Kay (Leicester), A Sanderson (Sale), L Moody (Leicester), J Worsley (Wasps).

Replacements: M Regan (Bath), T Woodman (Gloucester), H Vyvyan (Newcastle), A Balding (Leicester), N Walshe (Sale), D Walder (Newcastle), K Sorrell (Saracens).