England call up Varndell for Australia test

England have named flying winger Tom Varndell and three new caps in their team to play Australia in the first test on Sunday. The 20-year-old Varndell will start an international for the first time, alongside three players making their full England...

England have named flying winger Tom Varndell and three new caps in their team to play Australia in the first test on Sunday.

The 20-year-old Varndell will start an international for the first time, alongside three players making their full England debuts, scrumhalf Peter Richards, flanker Magnus Lund and lock Alex Brown.

England coach Andy Robinson recalled 35-year-old prop Graham Rowntree and 34-year-old Mike Catt, who lines up alongside youngster Matthew Tait in the centres.

Lock Ben Kay, the only member of England's squad who started the World Cup final, failed even to earn a place on the replacements bench.

Back James Simpson-Daniel was ruled out of the first test because of a dead leg suffered in training, and is doubtful for the second match against the Wallabies in Melbourne six days later.

Australia coach John Connolly is due to name his side today.

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