Seven uncapped players in England squad to face ABs

LONDON - England coach Andy Robinson included seven uncapped players in his 30-man squad for the game against the All Blacks at Twickenham on Nov. 5.

Backs Anthony Allen, Toby Flood, Olly Morgan, Shaun Perry and Paul Sackey were named for the first time, as were forwards Stuart Turner and Tom Rees.

First five-eighths Jonny Wilkinson is absent through injury and there was no place for his World Cup-winning team mate Lawrence Dallaglio, who returned to action for London Wasps earlier this month after an ankle operation.

Newcastle's Wilkinson has had a catalogue of injury problems and has not played for England since kicking the drop goal that won the World Cup in November 2003.

"I'm pleased with the 30-man squad...it includes a good mix of experience and also gives an opportunity for some of the newcomers to further their claims for a starting place at some point during the four test matches in November," Robinson told the Rugby Football Union (RFU) website.

"I will amend and add to the squad for the Argentina game to ensure that no player starts more than three of the four games.

"I'll also consider players who haven't made the 30 this time around. Some players have recently returned from injury and there is a good possibility that they and others may feature in other matches this November," Robinson added.

England face Argentina on Nov. 11 before two home tests against South Africa later in the month.

Robinson is due to announce the captaincy and starting side on Monday.

Squad:

Backs: Iain Balshaw, Olly Morgan, Josh Lewsey, Mark Cueto, Paul Sackey, Ben Cohen, Mathew Tait, Anthony Allen, Jamie Noon, Toby Flood, Charlie Hodgson, Andy Goode, Pete Richards, Shaun Perry.

Forwards: Andrew Sheridan, Perry Freshwater, Julian White, Stuart Turner, George Chuter, Lee Mears, Ben Kay, Danny Grewcock, Tom Palmer, Chris Jones, Pat Sanderson, Lewis Moody, Tom Rees, Magnus Lund, Martin Corry, James Forrester.

- REUTERS