England pick Teenager Tait

LONDON - Teenage centre Mathew Tait will become the youngest England player since Jonny Wilkinson after being included in the side to play Wales in their opening Six Nations rugby match at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

World Cup halfback Matt Dawson has also won back his place in the side named by coach Andy Robinson and posted on the Rugby Football Union (RFU) website today.

Tait, who turns 19 the day after the match, stands in for injured World Cup centre Mike Tindall and partners his Newcastle Falcons teammate Jamie Noon in the centre.

Wilkinson, also a Newcastle player, made his England debut at 18 six years ago. He misses the match through injury with fullback Jason Robinson continuing to deputise as captain.

"I've never been afraid to select young, talented players if I feel they are ready and Mathew Tait has demonstrated to me he has the form and speed to earn his place in the starting 15," Robinson said.

"I congratulate him on earning his first England cap. He will be playing alongside his club mate Jamie Noon, which is something he will be familiar with.

"Selecting the halfback position was a close call. However, I have decided to start Matt Dawson who has shown great form for his club (Wasps) and can offer tremendous experience."

Dawson missed the early season test series at Twickenham in November in which England beat Canada and South Africa but lost 21-19 to Australia.

There are five changes in personnel altogether from the Wallabies loss, with lock Ben Kay recalled and Gloucester flanker Andy Hazell getting a Six Nations debut.

Jason Robinson (captain), Mark Cueto, Mathew Tait, Jamie Noon, Josh Lewsey, Charlie Hodgson, Matt Dawson, Joe Worsley, Andy Hazell, Lewis Moody, Ben Kay, Danny Grewcock, Julian White, Steve Thompson, Graham Rowntree. Reserves: Andy Titterrell, Phil Vickery, Steve Borthwick, James Forrester, Harry Ellis, Olly Barkley, Ben Cohen

- REUTERS