Wilkinson retains out-half slot for Italy clash

JONNY WILKINSON has avoided the axe for England’s RBS Six Nations Championship clash against Italy in Rome on Sunday. The Newcastle out-half retains his place, despite producing a poor performance when England slumped 26-19 at home to Wales in their tournament opener.

But giant prop Andrew Sheridan has become England’s latest injury casualty. Sheridan, destroyer of the Australian front row during last October’s World Cup quarter-final, is replaced by Wasps forward Tim Payne, who wins his sixth cap.

England head coach Brian Ashton makes five changes following that crushing Twickenham setback – four of them enforced through injuries. Newcastle centre Jamie Noon takes over from Mike Tindall in an all-Falcons midfield alongside Wilkinson and Toby Flood.

Rugby league recruit Lesley Vainikolo, who went on for David Strettle last Saturday, retains his place to gain a first Test start, while back-row switches see Bath flanker Michael Lipman and Harlequins number eight Nick Easter both included.

Meanwhile, Italy coach Nick Mallett believes the Azzurri will have to significantly raise their game against the English.

Mallett makes just one change to the starting XV that lost 16-11 to Ireland in his first game in charge last weekend.

Ezio Galon will replace injured Pablo Canavosio in the sole personnel change, although Mallett has warned that his decision not to reshuffle his pack does not mean he was content with the performance in Dublin last time out.

“Against Ireland it ended 16-11 but our opponents could have scored two or three more tries,” he said.

Mallett’s decision to retain the majority of the team that started at Croke Park means Andrea Masi retains the number 10 jersey despite his lack of experience in the role.

“I am teaching Andrea to play number 10,” Mallett added.

Mallett will be hoping the Azzurri can show more defensive organisation this weekend than they managed in Dublin.

“Against Ireland, more than anything I appreciated the combative spirit shown by my team,” said the English-born coach.

“But what I didn’t like is that, on defence, we should have been better organised.”

The hosts will be without Gloucester lock Marco Bortolami, who is still unavailable with an eye injury. Gloucester prop Carlos Nieto, who missed the opening game after the death of his father, has returned to the group as a replacement.