England's rugby tour left in chaos

Olly Barkley today added to England's troubles in New Zealand when he launched a bitter attack on Rob Andrew's decision to drop him for the Second Test.

The 26-year-old has been replaced at inside centre for Saturday's game in Christchurch by Jamie Noon as England attempt to bolster their midfield defence following the 37-20 defeat last weekend. Charlie Hodgson also lost his place at fly-half as England tour manager Andrew made five changes to the back division.

Barkley said: "I was very annoyed. It wasn't an easy day for anyone. They have gone for a different approach in midfield. I am not particularly happy and I have not taken it particularly well.

"There were obviously various problems with a few gain-line breaks in midfield. I chatted to the coaches and, shall we say, we had a decent talk about what went wrong. I aired my views as well.

"They have made the decision and I have to live with it. But because I have to live with it, doesn't mean I am particularly happy about it."

Barkley has just returned to the England team having been cleared of a charge of assault in April.

His outburst is another blow for Andrew following the revelation that four England players are at the centre of a police investigation into a claim of 'rape' at an hotel in Auckland.