Unofficial England Rugby Union - England’s IRB U21s World Championship vs Fiji

England’s IRB U21s World Championship vs Fiji

By RFU Press Office
June 8 2006
England’s IRB U21s World Championship opener will be against Fiji this Friday 9th June 2006. England’s match kicks off 5pm local time (4pm BST)

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England U21 team for Fijian opener

England U21 coaches Jim Mallinder and Dorian West today announced the team that will launch England’s IRB U21 World Championship campaign against Fiji in Vichy, France, this Friday (9 June), kick off 5pm.

The team, which includes three new caps, will once again be led by Leicester Tigers centre Matt Cornwell. London Wasps hooker Rob Webber, Saracens prop Tom Mercey and Leeds Tykes scrum half Danny Care all step up from England U19s to gain their first U21 caps.

Said Mallinder, “Our preparations have gone well and we’re all now really eager to get this first game under our belts.

“We don’t know a great deal about Fiji but having seen them around they have a lot of big, athletic players. We expect them to be typically skilful, physical and adventurous and we’ve picked a team that has the ability to play more than one style of rugby.

“We’ve rested Ben Foden to make sure he’s 100% recovered from the knock he picked up so Danny Care starts at scrum half. Danny trained with us while Ben was on sevens duty and has been in excellent form for England U19s, sevens and his club Leeds Tykes.

“We’re also pleased to welcome back Chris Robshaw in his first game since breaking his leg in February.”

England’s match kicks off 5pm local time (4pm BST) and is followed at 7pm by Scotland’s clash with Australia.

England U21 team to play Fiji

15 Mike Brown (NEC Harlequins)

14 Topsy Ojo (London Irish)

13 Matt Cornwell (Leicester Tigers, Captain)

12 Toby Flood (Newcastle Falcons)

11 Paul Diggin (Northampton Saints)

10 Ryan Lamb (Gloucester)

9 Danny Care (Leeds Tykes)

8 Jordan Crane (Leeds Tykes)

7 Chris Robshaw (NEC Harlequins)