Clarke to fill Barritt's Saxons boots
England Saxons head coach Stuart Lancaster has announced an experienced side to face Canada in Saturday’s cup final of the Churchill Cup.
Lancaster has made only four changes to the squad that beat USA in Sunday’s pool clash and one positional change.
Alex Goode, who contributed ten points at flyhalf to the 32-9 victory over the hosts, will start at fullback to cover for Nick Abendanon who starts on the wing.
James Simpson-Daniel returns to the match day 22 to take his place on the other wing in place of Ollie Smith.
In the centre Northampton’s Jon Clarke starts in place of Brad Barritt who has been called up to the senior tour in Australia.
Stephen Myler starts at flyhalf with Tom Wood coming in at flank to replace Kearnan Myall who takes his place on the bench.
Lancaster said, “We are all looking forward to the final on Saturday and we are expecting a tough challenge from Canada.
“They deserved their win over France A and proved that not only are they well coached but have players in key positions that are a real threat.
“We have sat down and looked at our performance against USA and looked at areas we can improve. The move from Denver to New York has been smooth so we have managed to get in a couple of sessions to work on these areas.
“Selection has been difficult, for the right reasons, the players have had a fantastic attitude throughout our three weeks and there were some tight calls. We also realise that the replacements will play a key role and that has been in our thoughts.
“It has been a long season for all the players but they are looking forward to one last effort in the final.”
England Saxons: 15 Alex Goode, 14 James Simpson-Daniel, 13 Jon Clarke, 12 Anthony Allen, 11 Nick Abendanon, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Luke Narraway, 7 Andy Saull, 6 Tom Wood, 5 George Skivington, 4 James Hudson, 3 Alex Corbiserio, 2 Andy Titterrell, 1 Nick Wood.
Replacements: 16 Rob Vickers, 17 Duncan Bell, 18 Graham Kitchener, 19 Kearnan Myall, 20 Micky Young, 21 Ollie Smith, 22 Tom Varndell.
Date: Saturday, June 19
Venue: Red Bull Arena, New Jersey
Kick-off: 14.45 (18.45 GMT)
