Northampton Saints boss Jim Mallinder has praised his four players who impressed for England against Wales.

Chris Ashton scored two tries in the 26-19 win, while team-mates Ben Foden, Tom Wood and Dylan Hartley also featured in the Six Nations opener.

Mallinder told BBC Look East: "Tom had an outstanding debut. He didn't seem out of place and actually excelled.

"Dylan answered all the critics with a good performance. Ben had another really solid game. I'm delighted."

Mallinder refused to condemn wing Chris Ashton too harshly for his one-handed, diving try in the game.

"I don't think you want to take away the enthusiasm for scoring tries," he said.

"It's not a bad thing, but you've got to make sure you look after the ball, and I think Chris probably went over the top a little bit there."

Injured Saints lock Courtney Lawes was named in England's Elite Player Squad for the Six Nations, and head coach Martin Johnson said he was hopeful of calling on the 21-year-old before the end of the tournament.

"Courtney is improving all the time," said Mallinder.

"He's hoping to get out his knee brace in the next week or two and hopefully start some running."

Meanwhile, back row forward Phil Dowson has been released by England and will be available for Saints' Premiership match at home to Saracens.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version