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Tue, 18 February, 2003, 16:19 GMT

Bracken back for England
England coach Clive Woodward has made three changes to the side that beat France for Saturday's Six Nations visit to Wales.

Saracens scrum-half Kyran Bracken replaces Andy Gomarsall, who is dropped to the bench.

There are two changes in the pack because of injuries.

Graham Rowntree comes into the front row in place of Jason Leonard, while Lawrence Dallaglio replaces Lewis Moody in the back row.

Dallaglio is the biggest name returning to the team but Bracken's selection is the biggest surprise.

The Saracens skipper last started for England against Italy almost 10 months ago.

However, with Matt Dawson still nursing a calf injury, Bracken's experience has won him the nod above Gomarsall, who started against France three days ago.

It will be Bracken's first appearance since he was concussed during Saracens' Zurich Premiership defeat against Gloucester on 2 February.

The concussion meant he had to serve a mandatory three-week rest period.

Injured forwards

The other two changes are both because of injuries picked up during the win over France.

Leicester prop Rowntree is a more than capable replacement for Leonard.

Former England captain Dallaglio will make his first start since England beat the All Blacks in November.

Leonard, who won his 100th cap against the French, has an injured hamstring, while Moody is sidelined with a shoulder problem.

Woodward has made two switches on the bench with uncapped London Irish prop Mike Worsley and Wasps' back row forward Joe Worsley - no relation - stepping up.


England: Robinson; Luger, Greenwood, Hodgson, Cohen; Wilkinson, Bracken; Rowntree, Thompson, White; Johnson, Kay; Dallaglio, Back, Hill.
Replacements: Regan, M Worsley, Grewcock, J Worsley, Gomarsall, Christophers, Simpson-Daniel.



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