ENGLAND TEAM PROFILE

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fractured dislocation of his ankle to return to the England fray in November, albeit lacking fitness. Cipriani has an old head on young shoulders it seems, and those shoulders need to be broad enough to overcome a disappointing Autumn international series. Riki Flutey will try to share the burden at centre where he plays with Cipriani every week at Wasps. Flutey was blooded for the first time at the age of 28, as one of four debutants that started the game against the Pacific Islanders in November. Ugo Monye, Nick Kennedy and Delon Armitage also won first caps with Dylan Hartley coming off the bench. The new look side is a symbol of the Johnson regime under which Ben Kay, Joe Worsley, Mike Tindall and Charlie Hodgson have all been sacrificed. While Tindall’s illustrious international career had reached a natural conclusion, Hodgson’s defensive frailties seem insufficient reason for him to be pushed into the abyss of international exile as one of England’s most creative fly-half’s. In the absence of the retired Josh Lewsey, somebody must step up and �

Left The key to England’s season could be whether Danny Cipriani can regain his best form after a long injury

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