Wynne Gray: England to unveil squad for Down Under tour

Slightly less interesting than the All Blacks selection - but something to digest - will be the announcement of the England team to travel Down Under next month.

Clive Woodward will reveal that squad on Tuesday, the day after his former assistant coach, John Mitchell, ignites loads of public discussion with his opening All Black squad for the year.

Mitchell has conveyed a few general selection thoughts in the latter stages of the Super 12 but given little away about the composition of his 26-man squad for the tests with England, Wales and France.

Certainly none of the widespread opinions conveyed by Wallaby and Springbok coaches Eddie Jones and Rudolf Straeuli as they surveyed the Super 12.

Mitchell is wise to keep his own counsel, even if that tactic has exasperated some in the media who can't seem to get by without a soundbite or a quote.

He has offered enough concepts to boil the blood and inspire debate, but to have been more specific would have been an invitation to disaster before the squad is announced.

There is usually some sort of late mishap, extraordinary performance or circumstance which changes plans. Steve Devine's come-from-the-clouds choice last year was one example, while Brad Thorn's withdrawal after selection in 2001 was an even more bizarre moment.

Woodward, meanwhile, has revealed he will be bringing prime first five-eighths Jonny Wilkinson on tour. Despite the pleas from some former players to keep Wilkinson in cotton wool during the tour to New Zealand and Australia and save him for the World Cup, Woodward has decided otherwise.

He had Wilkinson's shoulder problem checked in recent scans and was told there is no medical reason why England's pivot should not travel.

"Are we saying he shouldn't have another game of rugby until October?" asked Woodward. "That's ridiculous. Unless we get unlucky with injuries in the next couple of weeks I fully intend to take the strongest possible squad."

It appears Woodward wants to give as many members of his potential World Cup squad a sneak preview of conditions and opponents Down Under before the Main Event in October/November.

The All Blacks' opening test against England on June 14 in Wellington promises plenty.