Johnson Takes One Step Forward and Two Steps Back

The England team to face Australia on Saturday is a bizarre mix of a positive, forward thinking backline behind a dull Leicester dominated pack.

Shane Geraghty who has been in fantastic form for Northampton since his switch from London Irish is named along-side 2003 superstar Jonny Wilkinson - named for the first time in 18-months. Dan Hipkiss at outside-centre offers a powerful yet quick and thoughtful runner; while Matt Banahan on the wing will be a key member of England’s future.

World Cup winner Steve Thompson makes a miraculous start – a fit Dylan Hartley surely would have got the nod. But it is behind the front row where questions should be asked, as Leicester and conservatism dominate.

Martin Johnson clearly sees something in captain Steve Borthwick. He is by no means world class, though he must offer strong leadership off the pitch, and he does act as some stability in the England side – a side which has been constantly changing since Johnson took the helm.

Partnering Borthwick is Leicester lock Louis Deacon. He is a solid Premiership player, but does not stand out and does not suggest he is ready to make the grade at international level.

With the mysterious shunning of Nick Kennedy, putting faith in 20-year old Courtney Lawes – named on the bench – would at least have shown some ambition.

Lawes is young and will be a staple in the England team in years to come. He is dynamic around the park, and although inexperienced – he can only gain this and improve with game time.

The back-row is less controversial. Lewis Moody secured his place by winning the 7-shirt off Steffon Armitage during Leicester’s win over Harlequins last week; and Tom Croft is one of the few certain starters given his performances in South Africa during the summer.

But it is Jordan Crane’s selection over James Haskell which is largely Johnson trying to prove a point. He stated in the summer those who left to ply their trade in France would be overlooked for national selection.

Haskell, who learnt from the best in Lawrence Dallaglio at Wasps, is probably the team manager’s attempt to save face after injury, necessity and ability has forced him to name two regular starters in France’s Top 14 in his starting XV.

The game kicks off at 2.30pm (GMT) at Twickenham and is live on Sky Sports 2.

England Team to face Australia on Saturday, November 7 at Twickenham, London

U Monye (Harlequins); M Cueto (Sale Sharks), D Hipkiss (Leicester), S Geraghty (Northampton), M Banahan (Bath); J Wilkinson (Toulon), D Care (Harlequins);

T Payne (Wasps), S Thompson (Brive), D Wilson (Bath), L Deacon (Leicester), S Borthwick (Saracens, capt), T Croft (Leicester), L Moody (Leicester), J Crane (Leicester).

Replacements: D Hartley (Northampton), D Bell (Bath), C Lawes (Northampton), J Haskell (Stade Francais), P Hodgson (London Irish), A Goode (Brive), A Erinle (Biarritz).