England bring in four players for Samoa Test
England have made four changes to the side that beat Australia 35-18 at Twickenham on Saturday 13 November.
Hendre Fourie, James Haskell, David Wilson and Matt Banahan will all start the Test match against Samoa on Saturday 20 November.
Fourie will make his first start for England having impressed as a substitute in England’s last two games against New Zealand and Australia.
The South African born flanker will come into the team for captain Lewis Moody, who will be rested by England coach Martin Johnson, ahead of their final Test against South Africa on 27 November. Nick Easter will captain the side in Moody’s absence.
The experienced Haskell will replace British and Irish Lion Tom Croft who drops to the bench, while David Wilson will be given an opportunity, as he comes in for Dan Cole in the tight-head prop position.
Banahan is rewarded for his form with Bath and will win his sixth cap against Samoa. He replaces Mike Tindall in the centre and will start his first game of the Autumn Internationals.
Johnson believes that Banahan deserves his chance and he will form a new look partnership with Shontayne Hape. Speaking at a press conference, the English coach said, "As a younger player [23] he has learnt what it is to prepare and be a Test player. His
conditioning is far better than it has been and I think he is a deceptive player. He has been very keen, been practising there and he knows his role very well."
Johnson believes that vast changes to the team would disrupt the England side and the coach was keen for England not to underestimate their opponents. "We have had the same team for the last four or five games and we have seen the rewards of that. We didn't
want to break it up too much because Samoa will be a real danger and we have got to be very good. They have got our full attention this week," said Johnson.
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