Parling set for start as Palmer is axed

Leicester lock Geoff Parling is expected to start for England in Saturday's Six Nations clash against Wales, after Tom Palmer was dropped from the squad.

Reports claim Parling will move into the starting line-up for his first Test start, along with Northampton scrumhalf Lee Dickson and Scarlets No.8 Ben Morgan.

All three made an impact off the bench in England's Six Nations victories over Scotland and Italy.

Palmer started both those games but he has been released by interim head coach Stuart Lancaster to play for Stade Francais this weekend.

Northampton lock Courtney Lawes is set to provide the second row cover on the bench after overcoming a knee injury.

Manu Tuilagi and Toby Flood are also back in England's matchday squad for the first time in the tournament, with both Leicester players expected to start from the bench.

As a result, Harlequins fullback Mike Brown and centre Jordan Turner-Hall have dropped out of England's 22-man squad.

Lancaster has also released Harlequins hooker Chris Brooker, Northampton flanker Calum Clark, Wasps scrumhalf Joe Simpson and Leicester No.8 Thomas Waldrom.

"We've had a great two days of training and some difficult selection decisions with players coming back into the equation," Lancaster said.

"There are some players who have missed out this time but their attitude in training has been outstanding.

"We will look forward to meeting again on Wednesday night with our match day 22 and finalising preparations for the game."

Palmer is the biggest casualty and perhaps a victim of England not enjoying the line-out solidity they would have liked over the opening two rounds of the championship.

"We were nine from 11 in Scotland and 14 from 17 in Italy, with sleet all over the ball against a very competent Italian pack," said forwards coach Graham Rowntree.

"Not all of it was clean so I am looking to improve our delivery and certainly the tempo at which we go about our line-out."

AFP