Matthew Tait gets call up at centre for England opener

Wednesday 3 February 2010
Published By: Amy Nicholson
Six Nations > England

Sale centre Matthew Tait has had to wait three years for a start at number 13, but Martin Johnson has confirmed he will get his chance this weekend in England's Six Nations opener against Wales.

The speedster has not started a game at centre since 2007 and has made his last eight England appearances after coming on as a replacement, often at full-back.

"It can be a little convenient sometimes to stick him on the bench because he is utility. It is probably a time for him to challenge for that 13 spot," Johnson said.

He added that he did "feel a bit for Tait" because of his utility man status, but his inclusion in the squad, along with Danny Care and Delon Armitage, could see the England coach attempt to test the Welsh defence with pace.

Tait will be up against Lee Byrne on Saturday after a three-man committee overturned the ban imposed on the Welsh full-back for coming onto the field as a 16th man in a recent Ospreys match.