Breaking News: Lancaster admits back row was a tight call but he sticks with Saints’ Phil Dowson
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England boss Stuart Lancaster admitted it was a tight call in the back row but he wanted to keep the impact from the bench for this weekend’s clash with Italy.
There was speculation that Scarlets’ Ben Morgan could take over from Saints’ Phil Dowson at No. 8 after impressing from the bench in the 13-6 win at Scotland.
But Lancaster has stuck with the same side and is hoping for an improved performance in Rome on Saturday.
Lancaster said: “There were some tight calls in back row, but we want to make sure our bench make an impact in the second half, Geoff (Parling) and Ben Moragn will add tempo and power to our game and that is an important dynamic for us.
“We are going for the same team and the main reason we are doing that is to get some consistency and allow the side time to gel.
“We want to give them an opportunity to improve. Although it was a good result and there were lots of good points, there were also lots of areas to improve on, which we have been working hard on this week.”
Lancaster was pleased with the showing of Saints winger Chris Ashton in the back three despite a lack of ball and he was relieved to see Charlie Hodgson shake off a shoulder injury in time for the clash at the Stadio Olimpico.
“The pack did well,” said Lancaster. “Alex (Corbisiero), Dylan (Hartley) and Dan (Cole) went well in the scrum, while Tom (Palmer) and Mo (Botha) went well in the lineout. There were one or two areas that we wanted to fix and we have looked at that this week.
“We were pleased with the way the half-backs went and Charlie’s shoulder has recovered, which is good news.
“I was really pleased with the energy Chris (Ashton) and Dave (Strettle) gave from the wings and Ben at full-back.”
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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