Rugby: Flutey back for England

Riki Flutey has recovered from a thigh injury and will start for England against Italy. Photo / Getty Images

LONDON - Riki Flutey is back in the starting lineup for England's Six Nations game against Italy on Monday (NZT) and tighthead prop Dan Cole will make his first start.

Flutey, who turned 30 on Wednesday, was due to play at inside centre in England's 30-17 victory over Wales on Sunday in its opening match of the tournament. But he pulled out on the eve of the match after taking a knock to his thigh in training and was replaced by Toby Flood.

Cole replaces shoulder-injury victim David Wilson in the only other change to the starting 15. The 22-year-old Leicester front row made his England debut as a second half replacement for Wilson during the victory over the Welsh.

"Dave Wilson took a bit of a knock last week so he has been limited in training and it is the perfect opportunity to bring Dan Cole in," team manager Martin Johnson said when he announced the lineup today.

"We are very pleased to do that. I thought he was impressive when he played last week and the way he has handled this week. He can do a good job for us. We knew there was potential in him and getting the opportunity at Leicester to play games, his development has been rapid over the last few months."

Johnson has delayed naming his bench until Saturday because of injury and illness concerns. Team captain Steve Borthwick is expected to start even though he has missed two days' training because of illness.

Although Johnson has sent several squad players back to play for their clubs this weekend, he has held on to flanker Chris Robshaw and prop Matt Mullan.

England
Delon Armitage, Mark Cueto, Mathew Tait, Riki Flutey, Ugo Monye, Jonny Wilkinson, Danny Care; Tim Payne, Dylan Hartley, Dan Cole, Simon Shaw, Steve Borthwick, James Haskell, Lewis Moody, Nick Easter.

- AP