Vickery back to lead England

Phil Vickery will lead England when they take on Australia in saturday's World Cup quater-final clash with Australia in Marseille.

Boss Brian Ashton has recalled former Great Britain rugby league captain Andy Farrell in place of Olly Barkley to tighten up the world champions' defence.

As expected 2003 final try-scorer Jason Robinson returns to the starting XV replacing Mark Cueto on the wing having recovered from a hamstring injury.

England's pack sees skipper Vickery and hooker Mark Regan return to the front row while Simon Shaw replaces Steve Borthwick in the second row.

Flanker Lewis Moody wins his 50th cap in an unchanged back row from the side which beat Tonga last Friday.

And Ashton said of Vickery's recall: "It is important we get the most experienced players in the front five on the field this week. It will be a massive battle area."

The England head coach added of his decision to recall Farrell: "For this game we need the direct approach Andy Farrell brings.

"He has come on a couple of times now as a replacement and done, I feel, particularly well.

"He has been a threat to opposition lines in terms of his kicking game, defensive work and general leadership and game management. That is what we are looking to bring to the game on Saturday."

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