Vickery on the bench for Tonga game
England captain Phil Vickery will only be a replacement for the must-win World Cup clash with Tonga, in the Parc de Princes Paris on Friday 28 September with a 2000 BST ko. Matt Stevens stays at tight-head with Vickery, who has completed a two-game ban for tripping, replacing Perry Freshwater on the bench. There are two changes to the starting XV with Steve Borthwick in for Simon Shaw at lock and Lewis Moody replacing Joe Worsley at open-side flanker. Lawrence Dallaglio comes on to the bench but Jason Robinson is still not fit. Worsley moves to the bench while Lee Mears is recalled in place of Mark Regan.
Both sides have nine points but Tonga are second in Pool A on points difference. making this yet another must win game for England.
England Team V Tonga
Backs: J Lewsey, P Sackey, M Tait, O Barkley, M Cueto, J Wilkinson, A Gomarsall.
Forwards: A Sheridan, G Chuter, M Stevens, S Borthwick, B Kay, M Corry(C), L Moody, N Easter.
Replacements: L Mears, P Vickery, L Dallaglio, J Worsley, P Richards, A Farrell, D Hipkiss.
Miss Noa said,
September 25, 2007 @ 7:01 pm
Hello Ikale Tahi,
An encouranging words to you Coach and the players: Be strong and be more careful in tackling….Wishing you all the best of luck and May God be with you all. Please guys believe in yourself because all of us Tongans here in Palo Alto, CA believed that the Man Above will play with you against England. Do your best; the Mighty strength keep on filling you all up; keep on counting your blessings and the points after beating England.
Play fair blue……. play fair red…….play well Tevita and Inoke and good luck ‘Ikale Tahi!
With Love,
Miss Noa, Manu & Sione, Talita, Angelina and Manu Tu’ifua;
First Tongan United Methodist of Palo Alto,
Palo Alto, CA 94301