23 Jun 2012

Waldrom gets a start for England

12:57 pm on 23 June 2012

The former Hurricanes number eight Thomas Waldrom will get his first start for England after being named in the starting side for the third test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth this weekend.

Coach Stuart Lancaster has made six changes to his side.

Seeking a consolation victory after two defeats, injuries to flanker and captain Chris Robshaw and scrumhalf Ben Youngs has forced Lancaster to call up James Haskell and Danny Care respectively.

However, winger David Strettle, lock Mouritz Botha, number eight Ben Morgan and loosehead prop Joe Marler drop out of the starting lineup to allow the coach a final chance to weigh up his options on the tour.

Loosehead prop Alex Corbisiero and lock Tom Palmer will join Saracens fullback Alex Goode and Leicester number eight Waldrom on the field, with Ben Foden shifting from fullback to the left wing.

The 24-year-old Goode and New Zealand-born Waldrom both won their first caps when they came off the bench in England's 36-27 defeat to the Springboks in the second test in Johannesburg last weekend.