England want to be Goode in PE
England coach Stuart Lancaster has made wholesale changes to his team to face the Springboks on Saturday, including a first start for Alex Goode.
Goode made his debut off the bench last weekend, and will now start at fullback, with Ben Foden switching to the wing in place of David Strettle.
Goode's elevation is one of six personnel changes from the side that started in Johannesburg with Danny Care, Alex Corbisiero and Tom Palmer getting first tour Test starts for Ben Youngs, Joe Marler and Mouritz Botha, while James Haskell replaces the injured skipper Chris Robshaw and Thomas Waldrom is in for Ben Morgan at No 8. Brad Barritt has recovered from eye surgery and is among the replacements.
Lancaster said: "I am really pleased for Alex [Goode]. He has worked hard in training and has been pushing Mike Brown and Ben Foden close so we are looking forward to him bringing his footballing skills to this Test. Danny Care likewise has bided his time in a very competitive position, knuckled down and deserves his chance, as has James Haskell, who has played this season for the Highlanders at No 7.
"We felt that the pack got some momentum in the second half last week so we have gone for Alex [Corbisiero] and Tom [Palmer], but I am sure Joe Marler and Mo Botha can make an impact from the bench.
"The guys did the shirt proud in Potchefstroom on Tuesday and I have no doubt that the 22 involved on Saturday will rise to this final challenge as we look to end this almost 12-month season on a high."
England: 15 Alex Goode, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Manusamoa Tuilagi, 11 Ben Foden, 10 Toby Flood, 9 Danny Care, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 James Haskell, 6 Tom Johnson, 5 Geoff Parling, 4 Tom Palmer, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Dylan Hartley (captain), 1 Alex Corbisiero.
Replacements: 16 Lee Mears, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Mouritz Botha, 19 Phil Dowson, 20 Lee Dickson, 21 Owen Farrell, 22 Brad Barritt.
Date: Saturday, June 23
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Kick-off: 17.05 (15.05 GMT)
Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)
Assistant referees: Nigel Owens (Wales), John Lacey (Ireland)
TMO: Giulio De Santis (Italy)
