Lewis Moody to captain England in Australia
Lewis Moody is almost certain to lead England on their two-Test tour to Australia next month regardless of whether the Six Nations captain Steve Borthwick is fit.
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Captain Moody: Lewis will be captain of England in Australia
Moody impressed the England management with his leadership when the side ended the Six Nations with defeat in France.
He was appointed for the match only because Borthwick withdrew with a knee injury that has kept him out of the game ever since.
But England noted not only how inspirational Moody proved, but also the positive reaction he received from his team-mates.
Borthwick is now believed to have a chance of playing for Saracens if they make the Premiership final but even if he is fit to face Australia in Perth in the first Test on June 12, he will be asked to stay behind in England to rest and prepare for next season.
There are also question-marks over his ability to retain a place in the England starting XV. Iit is understood Northampton’s Courtney Lawes will be given more of a chance Down Under and Leicester flanker Tom Croft is being considered as another option in the second row, especially as his lineout abilities would cover Borthwick’s main asset.
This means Moody, despite Lawrence Dallaglio pushing the claims of Wasps flanker Tom Rees, is in pole position to be captain for this summer and next year’s World Cup in New Zealand.
The 44-man England squad for the two-Test, five-match tour will feature a number of surprises when it is announced on Tuesday. Wing David Strettle, unfairly embroiled in sex allegations during the tour of New Zealand two years ago, will return to England duties.
Shane Geraghty, despite being ousted by Stephen Myler as first-choice stand-off at Ssaints, will be chosen ahead of his club-mate. Sale’s Charlie Hodgson should get the fourth stand-off place ahead of Danny Cipriani.
Elsewhere, Wasps No 8 Dan Ward-Smith and Quins flanker Chris Robshaw should make the plane, while England want a look at young Gloucester lock Dave Attwood and Newcastle prop Jon Golding.
Phil Vickery, just back from long-term injury, will be rested.
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