England v Wales news: Mathew Tait wins number 13 jersey

02/02/2010

Fans with England v Wales tickets for the opening day of the 6 Nations may be treated to a more attacking display from Martin Johnson's side than they would have expected.

The England manager announced his side today (February 2nd 2010) ahead of the clash on Saturday and surprised many by giving the number 13 shirt to Mathew Tait.

He made his debut in the corresponding fixture in 2005, in which he endured a torrid time and was on the receiving end of two particularly fearsome tackles from Welsh centre Gavin Henson.

Since then, Tait has been in and out of favour with England following a series of injuries, but Johnson has brought him back into the side as a replacement for Dan Hipkiss.

And the England coach moved to allay any fears that picking Tait will give Wales' giant midfield man Jamie Roberts the opportunity to control the game.

"His defence is underrated," Johnson said. "He is a different player to Dan Hipkiss but he has a good all-round game."

Posted by Sam Smith