Brave new world as England coach rings changes for Six Nations

11/01/2012

Fans enjoying hospitality packages at Twickenham in the Six Nations may be watching a radically-changed England side as interim coach Stuart Lancaster has named 15 new players in the squad, including nine uncapped players.

A total of 64 names have been listed in the Elite and Saxon's squads, but rugby supporters may be most excited at the thought of seeing fresh faces such as Owen Farrell in the side for the Six Nations.

He has been called up alongside fellow Saracens centre Brad Barritt, plus Lee Dickson and Calum Clark of Northampton and Ben Morgan from Welsh side Scarlets.

Lancaster said the two squads should be considered as a single bloc of players to take the country through to the next World Cup.

He stated: "In line with the selection philosophy about starting a new era for English rugby, we have taken the chance to make changes and give players opportunities to be part of the journey towards 2015."

The bold selection defies the concerns of people like former captain Lawrence Dallaglio, who told BBC Sport this week he opposed inexperienced players like Farrell and Morgan making debuts in games like the Calcutta Cup match at Murrayfield.

By Keith Prowse