Paul gets place on bench

England included rugby league convert Henry Paul among the replacements when they named an unchanged team for their potential…

England included rugby league convert Henry Paul among the replacements when they named an unchanged team for their potential Six Nations decider against France in Paris on Saturday.

The only surprise in England coach Clive Woodward's selection on Tuesday was New Zealand-born Gloucester centre Paul, who could make his Six Nations debut from the bench.

Winger Dan Luger is back from injury and joins Paul on the bench. Woodward said Paul had been given the nod because second-choice outhalf Charlie Hodgson was not fit.

France welcome back two key players. Scrumhalf Fabien Galthie will captain them for the first time in the championship having recovered from injury.

Flanker Olivier Magne is set to return after a suspension which kept him out of the win in Cardiff.

ENGLAND: J Robinson; A Healey, W Greenwood, M Tindall, B Cohen; J Wilkinson, K Bracken; G Rowntree, S Thompson, P Vickery, M Johnson, B Kay, R Hill, N Back, J Worsley. Replacements: D West, J Leonard, D Grewcock, M Corry, N Duncombe, H Paul, D Luger.

FRANCE: N Brusque; A Rougerie, T Marsh, D Traille, D Bory; G Merceron, F Galthie; I Harinordoquy, O Magne, S Betsen; O Brouzet, D Auradou; P De Villiers, R Ibanez (Castres), J-J Crenca. Replacements: O Azam, O Milloud, F Pelous, R Martin, P Mignoni, F Gelez, J Marlu.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • What’s making headlines in the rugby world? Listen to The Counter Ruck podcast with Nathan Johns

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered to your phone