Moody ready to make his mark

LEWIS MOODY is ready to stake his claim for a role in England’s RBS 6 Nations opener against Wales - but the firebrand Leicester flanker admits: “There is a lot of pressure on me.”

As Moody prepares to launch his comeback, England head coach Andy Robinson has been dealt a double injury blow with the news that 47 times-capped prop Phil Vickery will undergo a back operation tomorrow and will not play in this season’s Six Nations. Bath back Olly Barkley is also out for six weeks with a dislocated thumb sustained against Heineken Cup opponents Leinster last Sunday.

Barkley, a strong contender to have faced Wales at inside centre, is now also set to miss England’s appointments with Italy and Scotland next month.

Moody, meanwhile, was sent off for punching during England’s 40-3 victory over Samoa in November - which landed him a nine-week ban.

He also gained the dubious distinction of becoming the first England player to be dismissed in a Test match at Twickenham.

Contrary to initial forecasts, Moody’s suspension - his second of the season - expires tomorrow, and he will start Leicester’s clash against Sale Sharks at Welford Road.

Robinson will not announce his starting line-up to face Wales on Saturday week until next Tuesday, but Moody could well retain a starting berth despite a lack of match action.

Lawrence Dallaglio, Joe Worsley and Pat Sanderson are also in the mix as potential back-row colleagues for number eight and captain Martin Corry, so Moody must impress Robinson this weekend.