SIXWAYS star Chris Pennell looks set to make his England debut on Saturday after being named among the replacements for the first test against New Zealand at Eden Park.
The 27-year-old will wear the number 23 shirt after impressing England’s coaches since linking-up with the squad last month.
Pennell, who has been battling it out with Mike Brown for the full back spot in training, is one of two uncapped players in the matchday squad, alongside Harlequins hooker Joe Gray, who is also named on the bench.
And England head coach Stuart Lancaster has urged the duo to not waste their chance to shine on the international stage if they make their maiden appearance for the national side.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for Chris Pennell and Joe Gray, who have really impressed in training, should they come off the bench for their first caps,” Lancaster said.
“We’ve had a good week’s training in Auckland and have prepared well and are ready for the massive challenge ahead.
“It doesn’t get much bigger than playing New Zealand at Eden Park where they haven’t lost in 20 years but those selected know what they have to do.
“We’ve had lots of messages of support and I am sure the players will be giving their all at the start of this three test series.”
Director of rugby Dean Ryan said he was not surprised to see Pennell’s name on the teamsheet and he was confident the full back, who played every minute of Worcester’s Aviva Premiership campaign, would make an impact.
“Chris has obviously impressed during his time in the England squad alongside the best players in the country and built on the outstanding form he has displayed over the last year,” Ryan said.
“I am delighted to see him receive further recognition with a place in the matchday squad and I am confident he will have a positive impact if he does make his debut on Saturday.”
Pennell will also join former Warriors prop Matt Mullan and fly half Danny Cipriani, who has not played for England since 2008, on the bench.
British and Irish Lions Geoff Parling and Manusamoa Tuilagi are included in the starting side while there is a return for London Wasps flanker James Haskell after a 12-month absence.
Seven players that started against Italy in the RBS 6 Nations are also named in the side – captain Chris Robshaw, Brown, Danny Care, Joe Launchbury, Jonny May, Ben Morgan and David Wilson.
