LESLEY Vainikolo is set to make his first Test start for England after being named in an injury-hit side for the Six Nations rugby union international against Italy in Rome.
The Tonga-born former New Zew Zealand rugby league international wing, who came off the bench during England’s shock 26-19 tournament-opening defeat against Wales at Twickenham, was one of five changes to the starting line-up announced by coach Brian Ashton.
Jonny Wilkinson, despite some predictions that a poor display against Wales might see him dropped, retained his place at fly-half as powerhouse prop Andrew Sheridan, who wrecked Australia’s scrum during England’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final win, became the latest addition to a growing injury list.
Vainikolo, playing his first senior season of rugby union, continues in place of David Strettle, the man he replaced last weekend, with the Harlequins wing out with a fracture of the left foot.
In the centres, there is a recall for Jamie Noon, who will line up alongside Newcastle teammate Toby Flood.
Noon, whose World Cup was cut short by a knee injury sustained during England’s pool defeat against South Africa, replaces Mike Tindall, who suffered a bruised liver against Wales.
Newcastle’s Wilkinson kicked 14 poinst against Wales, leaving him needing just four short of reaching 1000 for England, but he didn’t impose himself in open play, particularly during the frantic final quarter when Wales turned a 13-point deficit into a seven-point win.
With England short of experience in all departments, however, Ashton has opted for Wilkinson over Danny Cipriani, Shane Geraghty and Charlie Hodgson.
There are three changes in the pack.
No. 8 Nick Easter, fit after a knee injury, replaces Luke Narraway, who made his debut against Wales.
At openside, Bath’s London-born but Australia-raised Michael Lipman, who has not played for England since June 2006, comes in for Lewis Moody after the Leicester flanker sustained an achilles injury at Twickenham.
Sheridan’s place in the front row has gone to Tim Payne, who is set to win his sixth cap,
Narraway takes the bench place of Tom Rees, ruled out of the remainder of the Six Nations with a knee ligament tear after coming on against Wales. while there is a recall for Mathew Tait.
One of England’s best players during their 15-6 World Cup final defeat against South Africa, Newcastle centre/full-back Tait was surprisingly omitted completely from Ashton’s matchday 22 against Wales.
Italy, who began their Six Nations with a 16-11 defeat against Ireland, have not beaten England in 13 previous internationals.
Reuters