Worsley replaces Moody to play Scotland

England manager Martin Johnson has made just two changes to the starting XV for Saturday’s Calcutta Cup match against Scotland at Murrayfield.

Wasps’ Joe Worsley replaces Lewis Moody at open-side flanker, while Leicester lock Louis Deacon comes in for the injured Simon Shaw. Full-back Delon Armitage has shaken off a rib injury and will start. There is one newcomer on the bench, with Leicester scrum-half Ben Youngs taking the place of Paul Hodgson.

Also added to the bench are Northampton lock Courtney Lawes, who won his first cap as a replacement against Australia last November, and Brive hooker Steve Thompson.

England are looking to bounce back from their home defeat by Ireland last time out after wins over Wales and Italy.

Johnson said: “It was probably the toughest selection we’ve had, not because we lost the last game but because the squad we have now, if we lose someone, we have someone in that position who can come in and we wouldn’t miss a beat. “It was a harsh call on Paul who has been fantastic for us on and off the pitch but Ben is playing well and deserved his chance.

“We felt it was the best call to put Joe in the starting team and have Lewis on the bench to make an impact. Attack coach Brian Smith said he hoped for England to be “more clinical” against Scotland, despite Johnson having picked the same backline that looked so blunt in the 20-16 home defeat by Ireland. Northampton full-back Ben Foden, a renowned runner with ball in hand, had been tipped to start against Scotland but Johnson has retained his faith in London Irish number 15 Armitage.

BBC