Lawes back in England squad

DHAKA: England have been boosted by the return of Courtney Lawes to the 23-man squad for this Saturday`s clash with New Zealand at Twickenham.

The fit-again Northampton lock replaces Mouritz Botha, while Freddie Burns comes in for the injured Toby Flood in an otherwise unchanged squad from the one which took on South Africa last Saturday.

Flood suffered an injury to his toe in the 16-15 defeat to the Springboks, which means Owen Farrell is likely to start at fly-half against the world champions, with Burns - in superb form for Gloucester - providing back-up on the bench.

Saints star Lawes is yet to feature in the autumn internationals because of a knee injury.

England coach Stuart Lancaster said: "Firstly to those guys who won`t be coming back in on Wednesday, their attitude over the last five weeks has been first-rate with the energy and enthusiasm they have brought to the squad both on and off the field.

Source: skysports

BDST: 1250 HRS, NOV 28, 2012
AKA