Johnson Back in England side.
A fit again Martin Johnson, returns to the English side for Saturday’s international against South Africa at Twickenham. Johnson’s Leicester colleague, Ben Kay drops to the bench.
A fit again Martin Johnson, returns to the English side for Saturday’s international against South Africa at Twickenham. Johnson’s Leicester colleague, Ben Kay drops to the replacement bench. Johnson (31) returns following a five week absence after he broke his hand in a Premiership game.
Despite two outstanding peformances against Romania and more significantly, Australia, Kay is relegated to the replacements as Johnson resumes his Lions and national partnership with Danny Grewcock in the second row.
Also called back to the bench is Sale out-half Charlie Hodgson scorer of an England-record 44 points against Romania, as Jonny Wilkinson returns to the England No.10 shirt.
England: Jason Robinson (Sale); Austin Healey (Leicester), Will Greenwood (Harlequins), Mike Catt (Bath), Dan Luger (Harlequins); Jonny Wilkinson (Newcastle), Kyran Bracken (Saracens); Graham Rowntree (Leicester), Dorian West (Leicester), Phil Vickery (Gloucester); Martin Johnson capt (Leicester), Danny Grewcock (Bath); Richard Hill (Saracens), Neil Back (Leicester), Joe Worsley (Wasps).
Replacements: 16 Mark Regan (Bath), 17 Jason Leonard (Harlequins), 18 Ben Kay (Leicester), 19 Lewis Moody (Leicester), 20 Charlie Hodgson (Sale), 21 Mike Tindall (Bath), 22 Ben Cohen (Northampton).