Woodward looks to Vyvyan

Newcastle Falcons skipper Hugh Vyvyan will captain an England XV against the Barbarians on Sunday.

12:14 26 May 2004

Newcastle Falcons skipper Hugh Vyvyan will captain an England XV against the Barbarians on Sunday.

The 27-year-old lock will take charge of a side containing just one of the players who took part in the World Cup in Australia - Mark Regan.

Vyvyan will be joined in the side by fellow Falcons Dave Walder and Jamie Noon, while London Irish pair Michael Horak and Paul Sackey will also get the chance to impress head coach Sir Clive Woodward.

Woodward has selected a largely experimental side against high-quality opponents, but is convinced it will be a valuable indicator of the strength of depth in the country, and an entertaining match for the Twickenham crowd.

"This is a huge chance for all the players involved," Woodward said after announcing his side.

"It's our job to make sure they get every opportunity to do their best. I'm pleased with the team we've ended up with given the circumstances.

"These guys have to take their chance. It will be a full house at Twickenham and the match will be live on TV. All are in the side on merit and pushing very hard for further recognition."

The full team to turn out on Sunday is as follows:

M Horak (London Irish); P Sackey (London Irish), J Noon (Newcastle), K Sorrell (Saracens), M Garvey (Gloucester); D Walder (Newcastle), N Walshe (Sale Sharks); M Worsley (Harlequins), M Regan (Leeds), R Morris (Northampton), M Cornwell (Gloucester), A Brown (Gloucester), D Hyde (Leeds), A Hazell (Gloucester), H Vyvyan (Newcastle, capt).

Replacements: C Fortey (Gloucester), J Dawson (Harlequins), P Buxton (Gloucester), D Fox (Northampton), H Charlton (Newcastle), T May (Newcastle), D Scarbrough (Leeds).