RFU Podcast: Shaw returns

Simon Shaw returns to the international stage on Saturday to take on the All Blacks at Twickenham in the Investec Challenge Series.

Winning his 53rd cap at the age of 36 the Wasps lock is relishing his comeback “I had lots of fun on the Lions tour and I can’t wait to get back to playing international rugby.” Shaw tells this week’s rfu.com podcast.

Shaw is one of three changes in the starting line-up for Saturday along with flanker Joe Worsley (London Wasps) and Biarritz centre Ayoola Erinle and there is a positional switch at full back where Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks) trades places with Ugo Monye (Harlequins).

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England team to face NZ – Shaw, Worsley & Erinle in

England have made three changes in personnel to the side to face New Zealand in the Investec Challenge international at Twickenham on Saturday (2.30pm).

London Wasps lock Simon Shaw, flanker Joe Worsley and Biarritz centre Ayoola Erinle come into the starting line-up and there is a positional switch at full back where Mark Cueto trades places with Ugo Monye.

Shaw takes over from Louis Deacon and wins his 53rd cap at the age of 36, former Wasps and Leicester centre Erinle makes his first start in place of Shane Geraghty (Northampton Saints) and experienced Wasps flanker Worsley replaces Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers) in the back row.

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Thompson gets shock Australia start

Steve Thompson - remarkable comeback

Steve Thompson - remarkable comeback

Steve Thompson will make his first international start since 2006 when England line up against Australia in the Investec Challenge international at Twickenham on Saturday. (2.30pm).

Brive hooker Thompson is joined by fellow 2003 Rugby World Cup winners Jonny Wilkinson (Toulon) and Lewis Moody (Leicester Tigers) in the team to face the Wallabies.

Thompson last started for England against France in the 2006 RBS Six Nations although he did come off the bench against Argentina at Old Trafford in June. He, Wilkinson and Moody will win their 49th, 71st and 54th caps respectively.

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