Joseph poised to feature

Published: Thursday, 14. June, 2012 in category Six Nations
Lancaster: Set to name his side

Much speculation has surrounded the team for Saturday's second Test in Johannesburg with Lancaster forced to make at least two changes in the backs division due to injuries.

Centre Jonathan Joseph is thought to be in line for his first start in place of Brad Barritt while winger David Strettle could return.

Lancaster is due to announce his team for the weekend clash against the Springboks on Thursday morning.

Strettle, recovered from a calf injury, is in the frame for the left wing role after being withdrawn from the midweek side to face the Southern Barbarians in Kimberley.

There would be a vacancy for him on the wing if Ben Foden is moved back to his preferred position at full-back to replace the sidelined Mike Brown. The other wing contender, Ugo Monye, has been troubled by a tight hamstring.

An alternative would be to retain Foden on the wing and play Alex Goode at full-back. The Saracens man came off at half-time during the 54-26 win over the Southern Barbarians.

There are other permutations depending on whether Owen Farrell is retained at fly-half.

The Saracens back claimed the number 10 shirt during the Six Nations but was unconvincing during the first-Test loss in Durban and could be dropped or moved to inside centre.

Toby Flood could replace him at fly-half after playing off the bench last weekend.

Lancaster said: "There are still one or two slots we are considering and will consider overnight, but I think we are pretty much there."

Following the defeat last weekend, Lancaster is now hoping momentum can be built after a convincing midweek win by the second string, albeit against a scratch composite side.

The majority of the Test team made the one-hour flight from Johannesburg to watch the match, which did contain some uncomfortable moments for the tourists as well as a Christian Wade hat-trick.

Lancaster said: "It has been the perfect game for us to come here.

"Not just for the guys that have played, but the guys that have watched, to understand the size of the challenge.

"Ellis Park on Saturday is a truly formidable challenge but it is one we are excited about.

"We felt we pushed the Springboks close on Saturday and we have got to raise that by another 10 or 15% at least."

In addition to Wade's treble, Thomas Waldrom touched down twice and Danny Care, George Lowe and Graham Kitchener also crossed for the tourists in Kimberley. Charlie Hodgson kicked for 14 points.