Croft named in England team to face Wales in Six Nations decider (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Croft named in England team to face Wales in Six Nations decider

3:57pm Thursday 14th March 2013 in Rugby By John Boyman

TOM Croft will make his first start for England in a year after being named in Stuart Lancaster's side for Saturday's Six Nations decider against Wales.

The 27-year-old, who was born in Basingstoke and grew up in Kingsclere, played 29 minutes as a replacement during last week's 18-11 win over Italy and is one of four new faces in the England starting 15.

He will line-up in his preferred role of blindside flanker, taking the number six shirt. Ben Youngs, Owen Farrell and Joe Marler also come in.

Croft last played for England in a Six Nations game against Ireland 12 months ago. He spent more than eight months on the sidelines after suffering a broken neck in a Premiership game last April, coming close to being paralysed.

He made his comeback for club side Leicester on January 4 and was immediately recalled by England after recieving medical clearance to play every week.

Victory for England at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 5pm) would secure the Six Nations title and a grand slam. Even a narrow defeat could see England win the crown, but Wales would top the final table if they were to win by seven points or more.