Adjust font size:
    BATH, England -- Jonny Wilkinson, captain Phil Vickery and Andy Farrell are all ruled out of England's Six Nations game against France on Sunday because of injuries. Flyhalf Wilkinson has a hamstring problem, prop Vickery was concussed during Saturday's game for Wasps and center Farrell has pain in his lower back. Coach Brian Ashton, whose team lost by a record 43-13 to Ireland in its last game, has made eight changes for the match at Twickenham. After three victories, defending champions France are chasing a Grand Slam while England are after their third victory in four championship matches. Ashton has recalled Mike Catt for his first appearance this season and the experienced and versatile 2003 World Cup player will captain the side from his position at inside center. Catt won the last of his 67 caps against Australia last year but is an old favorite of Ashton -- his former club coach at Bath -- and played for England's developmental Saxons team against Ireland last month. "I have known Mike Catt since 1992 when he came across to this country from South Africa and if there is one player who knows the way I want to develop this game it's him," said Ashton. "He is full of experience and enthusiasm and I am putting my money on him to help deliver the type of game I want England to play. "The captaincy is not a long-term thing and he knows that but I just feel that with the situation we are in we need somene with his experience." Toby Flood replaces Newcastle team-mate Wilkinson for his first Test start. Jason Robinson has recovered from the neck and shoulder problem that kept him out of the loss to Ireland in Dublin and plays on the wing. Julian White replaces Vickery and Ashton has dropped prop Perry Freshwater, lock forwards Louis Deacon and Danny Grewcock and flank forward Magnus Lund. Ashton has moved former captain Martin Corry from back row to lock forward alongside Tom Palmer. England: 15-Josh Lewsey; 14-David Strettle, 13-Mike Tindall, 12-Mike Catt, 11-Jason Robinson; 10-Toby Flood, 9-Harry Ellis; 8-Nick Easter, 7-Tom Rees, 6-Joe Worsley, 5-Tom Palmer, 4-Martin Corry, 3-Julian White, 2-George Chuter, 1-Tim Payne Replacements: 16-Lee Mears, 17-Stuart Turner, 18-Louis Deacon, 19-Magnus Lund, 20-Shaun Perry, 21-Shane Geraghty, 22-Mathew Tait |
Get up-to-the minute news from CNNCNN.com gives you the latest stories and video from the around the world, with in-depth coverage of U.S. news, politics, entertainment, health, crime, tech and more. |
The absence of flyhalf Wilkinson is a particularly bitter blow for England.
| © 2007 Cable News Network. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us. Site Map. |
 |
|
External sites open in new window; not endorsed by CNN.com
Pay service with live and archived video.