Ashton sharpens his axe
England boss Brian Ashton has identified the Six Nations clash against tournament favourites France as “a big, big game” for some of his team.
England boss Brian Ashton has identified the Six Nations clash against tournament favourites France as “a big, big game” for some of his team.
Although Ashton declined to name names, it is clear another stuttering performance on Saturday could result in the axe being wielded before England tackle Scotland at Murrayfield on March 8.
England must repeat their World Cup semi-final triumph of four months ago and beat Les Bleus – otherwise their Six Nations title bid will effectively be over.
Having dumped struggling scrum-half Andy Gomarsall out of his match-day 22 for the trip to Paris, Ashton's message is that others could follow.
“It is fair to say, and there is no point in hiding this because it's been said to the players, this is a big, big game for some players at the weekend,” said Ashton.
“I am sure you know who they are, as well as I do.”
Players like Jonny Wilkinson, Iain Balshaw and Mark Regan could easily fit into that category as England target a first Six Nations success at Stade de France since 2000.
Ashton has made just three changes, despite seeing his team stutter to a 23-19 victory over Italy last time out.
That result followed a first home loss to Wales for 20 years, but Ashton has decided not to carry out radical surgery.
Sale Sharks scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth will make a first England start, after being handed a debut off the bench in Rome.
Blackpool-born Wigglesworth replaces 2003 World Cup-winner Gomarsall, who produced poor displays against Wales and Italy, with uncapped London Irish prospect Paul Hodgson providing bench cover.
The two other changes are up front, where props Andrew Sheridan and Phil Vickery return.
Sheridan was sidelined for the trip to Rome by an infected cut on his heel, but he is now fully fit and takes over from Wasps loosehead Tim Payne.
Vickery, meanwhile, was firstly troubled by a calf muscle problem when England headed to Rome – before a stomach bug laid him low.
He regains the captaincy from lock Steve Borthwick and replaces Matt Stevens, who drops down to the bench.
England will need to stop a try-laden French back three of Cedric Heymans, Aurelien Rougerie and Vincent Clerc at source.
“It is a challenge for Lesley [Vainikolo] – but knowing him like I do, he is a big-game player,” said England defence coach, Mike Ford.
“If you look at his career, in big games for Bradford Bulls and Gloucester he has always performed.
“We are figuring out ways of getting the ball in hand to him. It will definitely come – we will see the best of Lesley in this Six Nations.”