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Below-par England to field weakened squad against US 'A'
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -- Manager Clive Woodward has named only five replacements, including one of his assistant team coaches, for England's match against United States A on Tuesday. Woodward, who is also concerned about what he viewed as below-par refereeing in the midweek games, said that former international flyhalf Paul Grayson had been brought in as one of the replacements to help the injury-hit England squad. "Paul Grayson has agreed to sit on the bench," Woodward said. "The remaining 14 players will stay behind in Berkeley to prepare for the test (against the United States) on Saturday under the direction of Brian Ashton and John Wells." Injuries have forced Woodward to make various adjustments to his starting lineup, with teenager Ollie Barkley being drafted in at inside center. The 19-year-old Barkley started at flyhalf for England against British Columbia last Tuesday before being switched to scrumhalf following the injury to Scott Benton. However Barkley's move into the center for this week's match comes after a serious injury to number 12 Joe Ewens who, in Woodward's words, was "spear-tackled" during the match against BC. Woodward is annoyed that England's midweek games on their North American tour are not being officiated by the International Board Referees assigned for the test matches. "Why are the IRB referees not doing the midweek games?" he queried. "They've been flown out specially from France, Wales, New Zealand and South Africa for the tests, so why not use them for the other games?" England's latest replacement, Gloucester lock Rob Fidler, has been drafted into immediate service for the midweek game. Fidler joined the touring party as cover for Ben Kay, who suffered a leg injury during England's record-equaling 10th successive test win Saturday when it trounced Canada 59-20. England officials were unable to say how long Kay would be out of action. "I was asleep at home when I received a call at about six o'clock in the morning asking me to join the tour party. It was a bit of a shock," said Fidler. Wing Paul Sampson, who broke a shin bone against Canada, will miss the rest of the tour, however. Woodward expressed his frustration over the way the British Lions management called up a member of his squad to replace and injured player in the Lions' touring party. Woodward only learned of number eight Martin Corry's call up to the Lions squad late Friday night, shortly before the player left for Australia. "This is a very important tour for England. I feel I should be informed of what the Lions need," Woodward said. "I still have no idea as to what the Lions reserve list is. "I would certainly appreciate one as I'm not here to be a lapdog for the Lions. I'm not even being warned if any of my players are to be called up," Woodward said. The England coach added: "Perhaps if we have any more injuries, then we could call up players from the Lions. How about Austin Healey on the wing for us?" Meanwhile, Woodward may still have to bring in further reinforcements to his injury hit-squad. He said: "If we suffer an injury to either of our scrumhalves before Saturday and if Kyran Bracken fails to recover in time from his shoulder injury then we would have to bring in Andy Gomersall." England: 15-Tom Voyce (Bath); 14-Paul Sackey (London Irish), 13-Fraser Waters (London Wasps), 12-Ollie Barkeley (Bath), 11-David Rees (Bristol); 10-Alex King (London Wasps), 9-Nick Walsh (Saracens); 8-Alex Sanderson (Sale Sharks), 7-Andy Hazell (Gloucester), 6-Pat Sanderson (Harlequins), 5-Tom Palmer (Leeds Tykes), 4-Rob Fidler (Gloucester), 3-Ricky Nebbett (Leicester Tigers), 2-Mark Regan (Bath), 1-David Flatman (Saracens). Replacements: 16-Chris Fortey (Gloucester), 17-Trevor Woodman (Gloucester), 18-Steve Thompson (Northampton Saints), 19-Martyn Wood (London Wasps), 20-Paul Grayson (Northampton Saints).
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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