Robson to lead England (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Robson to lead England

3:54pm Monday 11th June 2012 in Sport

Harlequins lock George Robson will captain England in Wednesday’s match against the South Africa Southern Barbarians in Kimberley.

Robson takes over from clubmate Chris Robshaw to lead his country out in the second tour match at GWK Park, where head coach Stuart Lancaster has named a completely changed starting line-up to the team that started the 22-17 first Test defeat in Durban on Saturday.

Quins stars Danny Care, Joe Gray and Jordan Turner-Hall also start for England, while there is a place on the bench for George Lowe.

“Every one of the 22 is desperate to play. They have trained superbly and their attitude while waiting for their chance has been first class," said Lancaster.

"There is a lot of competition for places across the board and Wednesday gives these players a chance to lay down a marker and for the whole squad to build some momentum towards Saturday’s Test.

“George (Robson) has had a tremendous season for Harlequins, has made a great contribution to this tour already, both in training and as part of the leadership group, and I know he will captain the team well.

“Only Ugo Monye and Alex Corbisiero will not have had any game time by the end of Wednesday, but there will still be three matches to go and their opportunity will come.”

Nick Abendanon, who joined the England camp this morning to replace the injured Mike Brown, took a full part in training and will be on the replacements' bench.