Toby Flood will take the place of Jonny Wilkinson for England’s final Six Nations game in Paris at the weekend, while Leicester team-mate Lewis Moody has also been recalled.
Flood started at inside centre in England’s victory over Wales and also made an impact when he came on to replace Wilkinson at Murrayfield last weekend and he now starts at fly half.
It is just the third occasion in his entire England career that Wilkinson has been dropped, the other instances were at the 1999 World Cup for Paul Grayson and in the 2008 Six Nations for Danny Cipriani.
Wilkinson, who currently plays for French team Toulon, was declared fit for the clash at the Stade de France after suffering a blow to the head in the draw with Scotland, but he has now paid the price for a disappointing campaign.
The 30-year-old Wilkinson has been heavily criticised this year as England have continued to struggle under Martin Johnson and Flood, who will win his 29th cap against France, is determined to make the most of his starting place.
'These are the reasons you play rugby' – Toby Flood
“If you want to play international rugby you have to take your opportunities when they come,” he said. “If it is France on Grand Slam night in Paris then fantastic - these are the reasons you play rugby.
"I am really looking forward to it. The good thing for us is that the pressure is all on them. We have not got anything to worry about. We are frustrated that we have not gone out there and expressed ourselves. People like Mike [Tindall] and Riki [Flutey], these are guys that play well with the ball in hand. We have to play that sort of rugby and use everybody's strengths."
Moody, meanwhile, gains an immediate recall to the side after being left on the bench for the draw with Scotland last weekend and will earn his 61st England cap in Paris, where England are aiming for their third win of the tournament, after wins over Wales and Italy. The hosts need a win to boost their bid to land their first Grand Slam since 2004.
Keep up to speed with all of the action in the Six Nations this weekend at www.rbs6nations.com/en/home.php
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