Hi °C | Lo °C Simon Shaw and Mathew Tait have both been included in the England squad for Saturday's Investec Challenge showdown with New Zealand at Twickenham.
Shaw missed the first two autumn internationals as he completed his comeback from a foot injury and England have missed his physical presence in the second row.
Martin Johnson will confirm his starting side today but it would be highly surprising if Shaw did not feature in the second row alongside Steve Borthwick.
Shaw has returned to the squad in place of Northampton tyro Courtney Lawes, with his last Test appearance coming for the British and Irish Lions in South Africa.
England and Lions scrum coach Graham Rowntree said: “Shawsy is back in the mix. If he gives anything like he gave the Lions in that second Test, I will be happy.”
Tait's inclusion suggests a change in mentality from the coaches, who realise the need to offer a different attacking option.
England were booed for their performance against the Pumas last weekend and both Rowntree and Johnson have admitted rightly so. But Rowntree ensured England will be fired up for the daunting task of tackling the All Blacks.
“I have no issue with the crowd booing us last week. They paid their money and have a right to do that,” he said.”We have to get the lads up for this game.”
