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Rugby Union

Hipkiss handed England chance

31/07/2007

Leicester's Dan Hipkiss will get his chance to win a place in Brian Ashton's World Cup squad after being named in the starting XV for England's contest with Wales this Saturday.

The 25-year-old will partner Andy Farrell at centre in the Twickenham clash, with both players' spot in the 30-man World Cup squad in doubt.

But there is no place for Lawrence Dallaglio among the starters, with Martin Corry, Joe Worsley and Nick Easter making up the back row.

Wasps' Worsley moves to open-side flanker alongside former captain Corry, while Mark Regan, 35, gets the nod at hooker and Andrew Sheridan will play at prop.

Ashton explained that Regan had his performances during this year's South African tour to thank for his starting place.

"This is reward for the work and leadership skills he showed both on and off the field," the coach told BBC Radio Five Live.

"He's a rejuvenated player and I thought he played particularly well against what was a very, very strong South Africa front row."

England team to play Wales:

Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks), David Strettle (Harlequins), Dan Hipkiss (Leicester Tigers), Andy Farrell (Saracens), Jason Robinson (Unattached), Jonny Wilkinson (Newcastle Falcons), Shaun Perry (Bristol Rugby), Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks), Mark Regan (Bristol Rugby), Phil Vickery (London Wasps, captain), Simon Shaw (London Wasps), Steve Borthwick (Bath Rugby), Martin Corry (Leicester Tigers), Joe Worsley (London Wasps), Nick Easter (Harlequins).

Replacements: George Chuter (Leicester Tigers), Matt Stevens (Bath Rugby), Lewis Moody (Leicester Tigers), Lawrence Dallaglio (London Wasps), Peter Richards (London Irish), Toby Flood (Newcastle Falcons), Mathew Tait (Newcastle Falcons).

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