England replace Farrell with Flood for second

2nd Test Today New Zealand  vs     Ireland        09:00 SS1 Australia  vs  Wales         11:45 SS1 South Africa  vs  England     16:00 SS1

Friday, June 15, 2012
Owen Farrell opened the scoring in the first Test last weekend but he has been dropped to the bench for the second Test. Net photo.

2nd TestTodayNew Zealand  vs     Ireland        09:00 SS1Australia  vs  Wales         11:45 SS1South Africa  vs  England     16:00 SS1JOHANNESBURG - Toby Flood will replace Owen Farrell at flyhalf in England’s second test against South Africa, coach Stuart Lancaster said on Thursday.Flood’s call-up for Saturday’s test is one of five changes - two positional - that have been made to the side which lost the first test 22-17 in Durban last weekend."Owen has had a fantastic season and I am sure he will make a significant impact from the bench,” Lancaster said in a statement."However, Toby has waited patiently for his opportunity and the time is right to allow him the chance to demonstrate his experience and skills in what will be a very tough challenge.”Inside centre Brad Barritt has been ruled out due to surgery on a lacerated eyeball, with Manu Tuilagi, who was outside centre, shifting into the number 12 jersey.Jonathan Joseph, who was Barritt’s replacement when he left the field in the second half last weekend, will replace Tuilagi at outside centre in his first test start.Fullback Mike Brown, who was sent home earlier this week due to a fractured thumb, has been replaced by Ben Foden, who was left wing in the first test.David Strettle, who was impressive during the Six Nations campaign, returns to number 11.The 20-year-old Farrell’s goalkicking was impressive during the first test but he only used his backline sporadically. Flood is expected to provide more vision and attacking spark to the backs.