Hipkiss gets chance to shine

12 April 2012

Uncapped Leicester centre Dan Hipkiss has been handed a golden chance to press his World Cup claims in Saturday's opening warm-up game against Wales at Twickenham.

The 25-year-old is England's solitary newcomer, lining up alongside midfield partner Andy Farrell, who is also battling for World Cup recognition.

Lawrence Dallaglio, though, will have to impress from the bench after England head coach Brian Ashton opted for a back row of Martin Corry, Joe Worsley and Nick Easter.

Corry reverts to the blind-side flanker's role after finishing last season's RBS 6 Nations campaign as a lock.

Phil Vickery skippers a side which also includes recalls for fit-again Sale Sharks prop Andrew Sheridan, Harlequins wing David Strettle and Bath captain and lock Steve Borthwick.

Strettle was hospitalised during England's summer tour to South Africa, missing both Tests in Bloemfontein and Pretoria after contracting a stomach virus that swept through the England camp.

Saracens centre Farrell was also laid low by illness in South Africa and Saturday's Test - which will attract a 60,000 crowd - could provide his last chance stake a World Cup claim.

Farrell has received mixed reviews following an injury-delayed entry to the international scene, and there is intense competition for England midfield slots in Ashton's 30-man World Cup squad, which will be announced on August 14.

On the injury front, Wasps flanker Tom Rees is continuing his recovery from a knee injury, while Gloucester centre Mike Tindall is battling to recover in time from the broken leg he suffered more than three months ago.

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