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From Times Online
October 29, 2009

England coach Tony Smith brings in Sam Tomkins and Eorl Crabtree for Australia clash

Alex Brodie

Sam Tomkins has been called into the England team for the Gillette Four Nations match against Australia on Saturday.

Tony Smith, the England coach, has brought in the half-back, who is the engage Super League young player of the year, to replace Richie Myler for the match at the DW Stadium, home of Wigan Warriors, Tomkins's club side. Smith has also included in the squad Eorl Crabtree, the front rower, in place of Scott Moore, his Huddersfield team-mate.

Myler scored two tries during the 34-12 victory over France in the tournament's first match last Friday before suffering from concussion. Smith says it was always the plan to replace Myler with Tomkins for this clash.

"Richie has still got a bit of a head knock, but Sam was going to get a chance this week," Smith said.

"It gives us a chance to compare the two and decide which way we go for the final week.

"I've got lot of faith in both those young men but it's Sam's go this week."

In other changes, James Roby will start as hooker in place of Moore and Jamie Peacock, the captain, will be switched to the second row to accommodate James Graham, the prop. Sam Burgess is to start on the bench.

England: S Briscoe (Hull KR); T Briscoe (Hull), Smith (Leeds), Shenton (Castleford), Hall (Leeds); McGuire (Leeds), Tomkins (Wigan); Morley (Warrington), Roby (St Helens), Graham (St Helens), Ellis (Wests Tigers), Peacock (Leeds, captain), Sinfield (Leeds).
Substitutes: Burgess (Bradford), Crabtree (Huddersfield), Eastmond (St Helens), Westwood (Warrington).

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