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© Getty Images
Matt Dawson plays against Samoa, while Josh Lewsey is rested

Woodward rings the changes

23/10/2003

 

Ahead of England's clash with Pool C leaders Samoa on Sunday, Clive Woodward has made seven changes to the team that beat South Africa 25-6 in Perth, including an entirely new front row.

Julian White, Mark Regan and record breaker Jason Leonard will front up against the powerful Samoans, while there are also starts for Joe Worsley, Matt Dawson, Stuart Abbott and Iain Balshaw.

Woodward has even gone as far as to say that the side is every bit as competitive as the one picked against the Springboks, as he bids to wipe out any hint of complacency.

"The criteria was to pick a team to beat Samoa and it's important that we give a couple of players their chance," said Woodward.

"They've got a big opportunity. It's arguably as strong a side, if not stronger, than the one that played against South Africa.

"This week we were determined to play with 22 fully fit players. There are no concerns that we'll have to make any late changes, although you never can say."

Record breaker

Prop Leonard will be making a record 18th Rugby World Cup appearance, but typically down played the achievement, focusing instead on the match in hand.

"I'm not one to keep an eye on all the records, although it's nice to know. But the most important thing is that we win against Samoa at the weekend," Leonard said.

"They were 'underdogs' when they surprised teams in World Cups before, but they've got a lot of players in New Zealand and France now who play to a very high standard of rugby."

Woodward will also be delighted to have Dawson prowling behind the scrum once more, and the player himself is understandably happy to be back in action following a niggling hamstring injury.

"It's good to be part of a side taking on a top of the table Samoan side. It's a huge game for England and we all know it," Dawson said.

"The medical staff have been very supportive. Clive has instilled into everyone - management as well as players - that they need to be the best in the world."

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