5 New Faces For South Africa

New boy Christian Wade scores, to the delight of Dylan Hartley

Christian Wade (London Wasps)
This 5'8 speedster is a product of the London Wasps academy who has caught attention this year in a breakthrough season. Despite an injury over the dark winter months Wade returned to finish a highly impressive season as second top try scorer with 9 tries.A former England sevens player, he has the ability to score from anywhere on the pitch and has a real chance of playing in one of the tests in South Africa and is sure to start the first mid-week match.


Jonathan Joseph (London Irish)
Another academy product who has enjoyed an impressive season. Playing under Toby Booth and Mike Catt at London Irish, this outside centre will be pushing hard for a place in the England team. Blessed with speed, explosive power and deft hands he can be a real handful not only setting up tries but also scoring 6 this year in the premiership. He may not get his chance for the main team this tour, but is sure as Mike Catt said to play for England one day.


Tom Johnson (Exeter Chiefs)
Not as young as many of the new faces on this years tour, however, this 29 year old Chief has gas, power and the spirit that had carried Exeter a whisker away from this years play offs. Given England's back row injuries Johnson may start in the first test with captain Robshaw remaining at seven. With his impressive display against the Barbarians on Sunday there looks to be an opportunity opening for the stalwart of Exeter's fine season, who arguably deserves a shot at international rugby given his form. Nobody can deny his will and power, only tine will tell to see his international acumen.


Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
Older brother of scrum half Ben, this hooker, former centre, is an exciting prospect for hooker. Blessed with pace and power, Youngs has not started a game at hooker this year for Leicester. Despite this, Youngs' speed an power has drawn attention to the England squad and would prove a valuable back up player if needed. Youngs' pace has the ability to go through tired legs and will be an asset for the mid-week squad.

Joe Launchbury (London Wasps)
Another member of last years England U20 squad to progress through to the full international squad, Launchbury made his debut against the Barbarians on Sunday. At 6'6 and 18 stone, Launchbury possesses not only size but also the agility and movement of a back rower as well as the ball carrying ability. Whilst England have brought a number of other faces to South Africa, Launchbury will benefit from mid week games against the South African Barbarian sides.