Woodward explores new options

England coach Sir Clive Woodward has thrown experience to the wind by selecting just one 2003 Rugby World Cup survivor for Sunday's encounter with the Barbarians at Twickenham.

HQ calling: Vyvyan to lead England

Leeds hooker Mark Regan is the only world champion in a team populated by fresh faces and faithful England servants.

Newcastle's Powergen Cup-winning captain Hugh Vyvyan, who joins Saracens this summer, will lead the side from No.8.

Woodward could not consider players from Bath, Wasps, Leicester or Sale Sharks as they all have Zurich Premiership play-off commitments at Twickenham this Saturday.

The exception to this rule is Sale Sharks scrum-half Nick Walshe, who steps into the breach left by the injury to England under-21 captain Clive Stuart-Smith.

"I think this is an excellent side," said Woodward. "We've just had a run-out and everyone who is coming to Twickenham should see a spectacular game.

"This is a huge chance for all the players involved, and it's our job to make sure they get every opportunity to do their best. I'm pleased with the team we've ended up with given the circumstances."

Meanwhile, the news that Bath prop David Flatman could be ruled out of England's tour to Australasia with injury has opened the door to Bath's David Barnes and Tim Payne of Wasps, who have both been called into the squad for next month's Churchill Cup match in Canada.

Flatman's fate is to be decided by Woodward and the England medics early next week - with Barnes, Payne and Quins' Mike Worsley all on standby for the flight Down Under.

England: 15 Michael Horak (London Irish), 14 Paul Sackey (London Irish), 13 Jamie Noon (Newcastle), 12 Kevin Sorrell (Saracens), 11 Marvel Garvey (Gloucester), 10 Dave Walder (Newcastle), 9 Nick Walshe (Sale Sharks), 8 Hugh Vyvyan (Newcastle, captain), 7 Andy Hazell (Gloucester), 6 Dan Hyde (Leeds), 5 Alex Brown (Gloucester), 4 Mark Cornwell (Gloucester), 3 Rob Morris (Northampton), 2 Mark Regan (Leeds), 1 Mike Worsley (Harlequins).
Replacements: 16 Chris Fortey (Gloucester), 17 Jon Dawson (Harlequins), 18 Peter Buxton (Gloucester), 19 Darren Fox (Northampton), 20 Hall Charlton (Newcastle), 21 Tom May (Newcastle), 22 Dan Scarbrough (Leeds).

Kick-off: 15.00 (14.00 GMT)