Ojo to face All Blacks

Updated 08.24 Tue Jun 10 2008
Keywords: charlie hodgson, topsy ojo, andrew sheridan, new zealand rugby, new zealand, england rugby, england, rugby, rugby union, sport, olly barkley

England's stand-in rugby boss Rob Andrew will give Topsy Ojo his debut against New Zealand in Auckland.

Loose-head prop Andrew Sheridan is the only survivor from the team that started the World Cup final against South Africa last year.

"Most of the changes from the World Cup have been caused by players retiring or being injured" - Rob Andrew

There are also 11 changes from England's last match against Ireland in the Six Nations Championship in March.

Andrew said: "Most of the changes from the World Cup have been caused by players retiring or being injured.

"There have been a few changes since the Six Nations, particularly in the back line, but this team has been picked on form over the last two or three months since the the end of the Six Nations."

Ojo replaces the injured winger Paul Sackey and the London Irish back was chosen ahead of Tom Varndell.

Andrew added: "If you are looking at out-and-out wingers who have performed well over the last two months, Paul Sackey would have been here.

"The decision between Topsy and Tom Varndell was a close one as we originally explained.

"We believe Topsy has done enough to earn an opportunity to start for England."

Olly Barkley will take on England's goalkicking duties rather than Charlie Hodgson, who usually kicks when Jonny Wilkinson is not playing.

New Zealand have only one change from the 21-11 win over Ireland last weekend. The prop Greg Somerville replaces John Afoa, who is injured.

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