Wade included in rugby squad against Barbarians

LONDON (AFP) –

England’s Christian Wade (left) is tackled by France’s Paul Albaladejo on the final day of the Adelaide Sevens rugby union, 2010. Wade has been given a chance to underline his credentials for the forthcoming Test series against South Africa after being named in England’s team to face the Barbarians at Twickenham.

Wasps wing Christian Wade has been given a chance to underline his credentials for the forthcoming Test series against South Africa after being named in England’s team to face the Barbarians at Twickenham on Sunday.

The 20-year-old has been selected ahead of David Strettle after an impressive campaign with Wasps saw him finish second in the Premiership try-scoring charts, with nine in 15 games, despite missing three months through injury.

England coach Stuart Lancaster is without 18 Leicester and Harlequins players as they meet in the Premiership final on Saturday.

But he was still able to name a strong team, which includes Charlie Hodgson returning to fly-half, where he started the Six Nations, and Owen Farrell reverting to inside centre, while Brad Barritt moves to outside centre.

“We are treating this as a very important game for setting the foundations for the tour,” Lancaster said.

“The players have been excellent this week and have been fully focused as we are looking to build on the momentum of the Six Nations. This is a really important milestone in our preparation for South Africa.”

Lee Dickson continues at scrum-half, with full-back Ben Foden and wing Chris Ashton completing England’s near full-strength back division.

Up front, Dylan Hartley starts at hooker in his first game back after serving an eight-week ban for biting Stephen Ferris in England’s Six Nations victory over Ireland in March.

Hartley will be propped by Matt Stevens and Paul Doran-Jones, while Mouritz Botha and Tom Palmer pack down in the second row.

Uncapped flankers Carl Fearns and Tom Johnson start in the back row either side of captain Phil Dowson.