Autumn Internationals: England have called up Saracens centre Ben Johnston for the match against Argentina on Saturday, when Josh Lewsey and Mark Cueto also hope to be available to strengthen the back line.
Johnston, capped twice, has been summoned after the head coach, Andy Robinson, admitted a number of his players were feeling the effects of Sunday's 40-21 drubbing by the All Blacks. Robinson will seek the advice of his medical team this morning before finalising his selection.
The young Gloucester centre Anthony Allen may have to be rested against a Pumas side unlikely to take any prisoners. If so, Johnston, who has been performing well this season in the number 12 jersey coveted by Andy Farrell, will be vying for a starting place with Newcastle's Toby Flood. The Wirral-born centre captained England Saxons against Canada in Toronto last summer and could have more to celebrate on his 28th birthday tomorrow.
Lewsey has made a swift recovery from the strained right knee ligament he sustained in Wasps' European Cup game in Perpignan 10 days ago. Cueto injured an ankle in Sale's game against the Ospreys last month. The prop Perry Freshwater and flanker Tom Rees, now fit, also rejoined the England camp yesterday.
With England under an obligation to the Premiership clubs to restrict players to starting three of this month's four Tests, Robinson and his selection panel have little option but to make changes, yet Argentina are more than capable of beating any combination put in front of them.
Some major decisions have to be made in certain positions, not least the backrow. The experiment of playing Pat Sanderson at number eight against New Zealand was not a conspicuous success and there must be a chance of a cap for Dan Ward-Smith. The 28-year-old Bristol number eight is 6ft 4in, 18st and was playing for Plymouth Albion only 18 months ago. He made his England A debut last March and his understanding with clubmate Shaun Perry at the base of the scrum would be a bonus.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry has hailed France as the Northern Hemisphere's best team ahead of back-to-back Tests in Lyon and Paris.
Henry is braced for two fierce encounters with the French on home soil in games that could provide 2007 World Cup final dress rehearsals.
"France are the best team in the Northern Hemisphere," said Henry. "They are the Six Nations champions and they have been waiting for us for a couple of years."
Henry could make up to a dozen changes for the Lyon clash next Saturday as he continues with his squad rotation policy, although possible starters Nick Evans and Neemia Tialata are battling injuries and face fitness tests.
If Otago outhalf Evans, who was initially selected to play against England before he dropped out and Dan Carter replaced him, does not regain full fitness in time, then Carter will probably remain in the number 10 shirt.
