England recall Simon Shaw and Mathew Tait for All Blacks

Published on Tuesday 17 November 2009 21:49

SIMON Shaw and Mathew Tait have both been included in the England squad for Saturday's final Investec Challenge showdown with New Zealand at Twickenham.

Shaw, the 36-year-old Wasps lock, 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 at midday today but it would be highly surprising if Shaw did not feature in the second row alongside captain Steve Borthwick.

Shaw has returned to the squad in place of Northampton tyro Courtney Lawes, who made his Test debut off the bench against Australia but did not feature in last weekend's 16-9 victory over Argentina.

Shaw's last Test appearances were for the British and Irish Lions in South Africa. He produced one of the outstanding Lions performances in the second Test and then played a key role in their third Test victory over the Springboks.

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, who has been rendered surplus to England's requirements for the last fortnight, would add pace and variety to a back division that has appeared stodgy and sterile in recent weeks.

Andy Goode, a specialist fly-half, has dropped out of the squad to make way for Tait, who can play full-back, wing and outside centre.

Tait's inclusion, even on the bench, suggests a change in mentality from the England coaches, who realise the need to offer something different in attack.

It also provides England with extra cover at full-back after Argentina exposed winger Ugo Monye as the stand-in that he was.

Mark Cueto acquitted himself much better when he switched from wing at half-time but Tait's presence in the squad allows a more suitable back-up.

The only selection decision England are waiting on is over David Wilson, who has been undergoing treatment on a neck and shoulder injury suffered against Australia. If Wilson fails to recover, Duncan Bell is likely to retain the No3 jersey, with Paul Doran-Jones providing cover for both propping positions on the bench.

Rowntree claimed that England will be fired up for the daunting task of tackling the All Blacks, who are now rated as the top team in the world.

"We are not getting away from our mistakes and what we didn't do against Argentina but, if you are going to do anything, you have got to be confident and move on," said Rowntree.

"I have no issue with the crowd booing us last week. They paid their money and have a right to do that. We are playing New Zealand at Twickenham. I am sure the crowd will get behind us.

"We have to get the lads up for this game. There are only a few times in your career you will play New Zealand at Twickenham and, let's be frank, we have got nothing to lose, have we?"