England recall Balshaw for Italy clash

ENGLAND last night summoned Iain Balshaw from the international wilderness for Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations clash against Italy - almost a year to the day after his last Test match appearance.

The Leeds full-back replaces skipper Jason Robinson, who underwent a thumb operation last week and faces a month on the sidelines.

Balshaw, 25, has not played international rugby since March 6 last year when England lost to Ireland.

But he now gains a chance in an otherwise unchanged England line-up.

He returns to an England side reeling from losing its first three championship games for the first time since 1987, while Italy have also suffered three defeats, giving Saturday’s clash a distinct wooden spoon flavour.

Robinson said he had “little hesitation” in the absence of his injured namesake apart, retaining the side narrowly beaten by Ireland eight days ago Leicester number eight Martin Corry will captain the side.

Uncapped Bath prop Duncan Bell and Leicester fly-half Andy Goode are again among the substitutes, with Bell’s club colleague Matt Stevens, earning another start at tighthead.

Meanwhile, England head coach Andy Robinson will not face disciplinary action after he criticised South African referee Jonathan Kaplan following the RBS 6 Nations Championship clash against Ireland.

England v Italy: I Balshaw (Leeds); M Cueto (Sale Sharks), J Noon (Newcastle), O Barkley (Bath), J Lewsey (Wasps); C Hodgson (Sale Sharks), H Ellis (Leicester); G Rowntree (Leicester), S Thompson (Northampton), M Stevens (Bath), D Grewcock (Bath), B Kay (Leicester), J Worsley (Wasps), L Moody (Leicester), M Corry (Leicester, capt).

Replacements: A Titterrell (Sale Sharks), D Bell (Bath), S Borthwick (Bath), A Hazell (Gloucester), M Dawson (Wasps), A Goode (Leicester), O Smith (Leicester).