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Last Updated: Monday, 20 March 2006, 10:38 GMT
England to ring changes for tour
Mathew Tait races past the Samoa defence in Melbourne
Tait ran in nine tries in the Commonwealth Games
England are set to rest experienced stars and pick several youngsters for the tour to Australia this summer.

Commonwealth Games sevens players Mathew Tait, Tom Varndell and Magnus Lund are tipped to receive call-ups.

"I was so chuffed for them and the way they performed," said England coach Andy Robinson. "There are a number of players there who will go on the tour."

Robinson said it was "important" for some players to rest as he plans ahead for next year's World Cup.

"We will take proper decisions based on where players are and look ahead to the World Cup, identifying who are the right players to stay and who are the right players to go," he said.

But captain Martin Corry is not advocating a rest for himself.

"I think it's important to state publicly I am keen to tour Australia this summer," he said in his newspaper column.

"I know a decent rest is important but we're only going out for two Tests in June and it's important we now start building towards the World Cup next year.

"I think it's vital we take the strongest squad we can. If we want to develop we can't be chopping and changing players the whole time."

Newcastle centre Tait, Leicester winger Varndell and Sale flanker Lund were part of the England team which claimed the silver medal at the Commonwealth Games last week.

Tait, who was prematurely capped by Robinson as an 18-year-old in the 2005 Six Nations, was particularly impressive in Melbourne.

The centre, now 20, was the highest try-scorer in the tournament and won plenty of praise.

Gordon Tietjens, coach of the gold medal-winning New Zealand team, said: "I'm absolutely amazed Mathew Tait is not in the full England side.

"England must have some very fine centres indeed."

There may also be a new face in England's coaching staff with Jim Mallinder, the coach of England's successful Under-21 side, likely to be called up to join Robinson's back-room team.

England face Australia in Sydney on 11 June and again in Melbourne six days later.




SEE ALSO
Sevens stars tipped for World Cup
18 Mar 06 |  Commonwealth Games
I'm here for World Cup - Robinson
19 Mar 06 |  Internationals
England 24-28 Ireland
17 Mar 06 |  Internationals


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