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Topsy Ojo
Big chance: Tottenham-born Topsy Ojo will make his England debut in the First Test against New Zealand on Saturday

Topsy gets England debut call to face the All Blacks

Chris Jones
10 Jun 2008


London Irish star Topsy Ojo will win his first full England cap against New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday

The Tottenham-born winger, 22, is the only debutant in a side that shows a remarkable 14 changes from the one defeated by South Africa in last year's World Cup Final, with prop Andrew Sheridan the only survivor.

Ojo was chosen ahead of Leicester's Tom Varndell when the original squad was announced and replaces injured Wasps flyer Paul Sackey in the starting XV.

Announcing the team today, tour manager Rob Andrew said: "If you are looking at out-and-out wingers who have performed well over the last two months, Paul Sackey would have been here. The decision between Topsy and Tom Varndell was a close one as we originally explained. Tom is now here [as a replacement for Sackey] and we believe Topsy has done enough to earn an opportunity to start for England."

With Danny Cipriani and Jonny Wilkinson unable to tour due to injury, there is a recall for Sale outside half Charlie Hodgson but Olly Barkley will do the kicking.

"It is not a slight on Charlie's goalkicking," said Andrew. "Giving Charlie one less responsibility - particularly when you have such a good goal-kicker in the team as Olly - it is a good thing to do."

The team has been shaped by injury and unavailability and is the first chosen under the new management regime of Martin Johnson, who replaced Brian Ashton after the Six Nations.

Johnson is not in New Zealand due to the imminent arrival of his second child but he would have a major input into the team which sees Wasps' Tom Palmer rewarded for a storming finish to the season with a return to Test action.

With No8 Nick Easter forced home with a broken hand, Luke Narraway of Gloucester has come into the back row alongside the Wasps duo of James Haskell and Tom Rees. Steve Borthwick is named captain. There is no place in the line-up for Mathew Tait, with Ojo and David Strettle selected on the wings.

New Zealand have made just one change from their 21-11 win over Ireland, with prop Greg Somerville replacing the injured John Afoa.

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