CHRIS Jones will be on the bench when world champions England start the defence of their RSB Six Nations title against Italy in Rome on Sunday.

The former Stockport Grammar School pupil secured his inclusion in the squad with his performance against Leicester Tigers in front of England coach Sir Clive Woodward at Edgeley Park on Friday night.

Jones looked better than any other forward on the field, including Leicester's former England captain Martin Johnson and Ben Kay, who played in the World Cup final.

Jones's ability to play at lock or number eight will surely have influenced Woodward's decision, along with the youngster's blistering pace in the loose.

His second row partner at Sale, Dean Schofield, said: "I am really made up for Chris. He is playing so well at present and really deserves the chance.

"I spoke to him on Sunday night and he said he didn't expect to be in the 22, but I always thought he had a good chance."

Delighted

Sharks coach Jim Mallinder said: "I'm delighted for Chris. He has been in outstanding form and he couldn't have picked a better occasion than Friday night, in quite dreadful conditions, to remind Clive of just what a talented player he is."

Despite a string of injuries and the retirement of Johnson from international rugby, Woodward has still managed a starting line-up of players who were involved in the World Cup in Australia.

"I expect them to move very swiftly into gear," said the England coach.

"I'm excited about the team and looking forward to working with Lawrence Dallaglio as captain."

Manchester City fan Will Greenwood will act as vice-captain, and he has a new centre partner in Sale's Jason Robinson, who has now played full-back, wing and centre for England.

Robinson has always said he would play anywhere for his country and he is known to enjoy being in the centre.

Blackurn-born Paul Grayson gets the fly-half job in the absence of Jonny Wilkinson and Charlie Hodgson, while Iain Balshaw, also from Blackburn, takes over the full-back berth with Josh Lewsey switching on to the wing.

Stever Borthwick, another Lancastrian, comes on to the bench and in-form ex-rugby league star Henry Paul returns to the 22 after a two-year absence.

ENGLAND TEAM: Balshaw; Lewsey, Greenwood, Robinson, Cohen; Grayson, Gomarsall; Woodman, Thompson, Vickery, Grewcock, Kay, Worsley, Dallaglio capt, Hill. Replacements: Regan, Leonard, Borthwick Jones, Dawson, Barkley, Paul.

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