Landing on his feet
England reinstates Catt at fly-half
Posted: Tuesday March 16, 1999 05:56 PM
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Catt reenters the English lineup for Paul Grayson, who is nursing a groin injury. David Rogers/Allsport |
LONDON (Reuters) -- Mike Catt has been reinstated at fly-half for England's Five Nations match against France at Twickenham on Saturday, in place of Paul Grayson who is out for six weeks with a groin injury.
Catt, who wins his 33rd cap, was dropped for the Ireland game earlier this month, having been the first choice against Australia, South Africa and Scotland.
England coach Clive Woodward said on Tuesday: "I thought it was a pretty straightforward change. I went to see Catt playing last weekend knowing that Paul was having difficulties and Catt played very well. It was not a tough call. Catt has played in the last two games before Ireland and run the show and won."
Woodward praised Grayson for his part in the 27-15 victory over Ireland.
"Paul did a fantastic job, exactly the way we wanted him to play. Catt did not do that much wrong against Scotland and played well against South Africa. Catt now has a marvelous opportunity in what is a colossal game for both sides."
Woodward said he had not considered moving the 19-year-old Jonny Wilkinson from center to fly-half.
"Jonny is a natural left-footer and at some set pieces he can be on one side and Catt on the other," he said.
Woodward's decision to retain the rest of the team reflects that England are top of the table.
Woodward said two of his centers, Will Greenwood and former captain Phil de Glanville, would not be available for the rest of the championship because of long-term injuries, respectively to the groin and shoulder.
England has lost four matches in succession against France, starting with the World Cup third-place match in Pretoria in 1995.
England Squad
Matt Perry (Bath), David Rees (Sale), Jeremy Guscott (Bath), Jonny Wilkinson (Newcastle), Dan Luger (Harlequins), Kyran Bracken (Saracens), Mike Catt (Bath), Lawrence Dallaglio (Wasps, captain), Neil Back (Leicester), Richard Hill (Saracens), Tim Rodber (Northampton), Martin Johnson (Leicester), Darren Garforth (Leicester), Richard Cockerill (Leicester), Jason Leonard (Harlequins).
Replacements: Nick Beal (Northampton), Barrie-John Mather (Sale) Matt Dawson (Northampton), Martin Corry (Leicester), Garath Archer (Newcastle), Victor Ubogu (Bath), Neil McCarthy (Gloucester).
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