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Slimline tonic Shaw loses weight, regains England place
VANCOUVER (Reuters) -- England manager Clive Woodward has made only one change to his side for the second rugby union test against Canada at the Swangard Stadium in Vancouver on Saturday with the recall of giant lock Simon Shaw to the starting lineup. Shaw would have started in last week's 22-10 first test victory but for an ankle injury. "We didn't consider Simon for the Toronto test," said Woodward after naming the team Wednesday. Steve Borthwick is the man who steps down and doesn't even get a place on the bench. Shaw said he has slimmed down to a mere eighteen and a half stone (260 pounds/118kg), some two stones (28 pounds/13kg) less than his previous playing weight -- which used to make him too heavy for his props to lift. He came on as replacement in England's game against British Columbia on Tuesday helping the tourists to a convincing 41-19 win. His performance was one a number of impressive displays from England squad players challenging for test places. "I was very encouraged -- especially with Tom Voyce and Fraser Waters in the backs. It was good to say David Rees back to form," said Woodward. The England manager also praised the performance of flanker Steve White-Cooper, whose impressive game has earned the Harlequins back row forward a place on the bench for Saturday. "It's a big promotion for Steve. He was outstanding last night. He's very useful on the bench because he can also play at lock. Tours are about people taking their chances," emphasized Woodward. But there was no recognition in terms of starting places for Alex King and Tim Stimpson, both of whom contributed significantly to England's second half dominance against British Columbia. Woodward said it was a close call between King and Walder for the flyhalf shirt with the Newcastle youngster holding on despite a poor goal kicking performance last weekend. "I know that Dave is a good goal kicker," said Woodward. "I've seen him kick everything for Newcastle. I think he just needed to get his first cap out of the way." Woodward also confirmed that he would be sending for a replacement scrumhalf for the injured Scott Benton. As yet the England manager has not finalized the replacement but it will be between Andy Gomersall of Gloucester and Nick Walsh of Saracens. Benton suffered a neck injury which will debar him from playing for the remainder of the tour. England: 15-Josh Lewsey (Wasps); 14-Paul Sampson (Wasps), 13-Leon Lloyd (Leicester), 12-Jamie Noon (Newcastle), 11-Michael Stephenson (Newcastle); 10-Dave Walder (Newcastle), 9-Kyran Bracken (Saracens, captain); 8-Joe Worsley (Wasps), 7-Lewis Moody (Leicester), 6-Martin Corry (Leicester), 5-Ben Kay (Leicester), 4-Simon Shaw (Wasps) 3-Julian White (Saracens), 2-Dorian West (Leicester), 1-Graham Rowntree (Leicester). Replacements: 16-Mark Regan (Bath), 17-David Flatman (Saracens), 18-Steve White-Cooper (Harlequins), 19-Pat Sanderson (Harlequins), 20-Martyn Wood (Wasps), 21-Alex King (Wasps), 22-Tim Stimpson (Leicester).
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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