DANNY CIPRIANI has been left out of England’s squad for the summer Test series against Argentina – but there is a recall for 2003 World Cup-winning hooker Steve Thompson.

Danny Cipriani has been left out of England’s squad for the summer Test series against Argentina – but there is a recall for 2003 World Cup-winning hooker Steve Thompson.

MATT Stevens has met Nelson Mandela and performed on tv’s X Factor since he last played rugby for England.

David Strettle has been backed to make a full recovery from his disastrous trip to South Africa.

England began picking up the pieces after a record defeat against South Africa, with scrum-half Andy Gomarsall admitting: “Reality has hit us.”

John Wells insists England’s rookie pack “know what is coming” when they stand toe to toe with a juggernaut South Africa eight in Bloemfontein tomorrow.

ENGLAND boss Brian Ashton has backed his squad of “part-timers, plumbers and decorators” to tackle a job their critics believe is mission impossible — challenging the Springboks in South Africa.

Jonny Wilkinson is ready to reclaim England’s number 10 shirt, with head coach Brian Ashton declaring: “He relishes a challenge.”

Jason Robinson will captain an England squad containing seven uncapped players on the two-Test tour of South Africa.

Gloucester and Sale Sharks are expected to provide a large chunk of England boss Brian Ashton’s South Africa tour squad when it is announced at Twickenham later today.

Australia’s foreign minister went on Arabic TV to appeal for the release of an engineer kidnapped in Iraq, saying he has a serious heart condition.

Wimbledon have won the first round of their court battle against the Inland Revenue in England for the approval of music mogul Pete Winkelman’s takeover.

ENGLAND will meet the Six Nations’ ‘form side’ in tonight’s U21 international against Ireland at Kingsholm.