Mark Cueto’s first-half hat-trick of tries against Romania has not been enough to prevent the Sale wing from losing his place to Delon Armitage in the England side to face Scotland in the Pool B decider in Auckland on Saturday, The Telegraph can reveal.
Armitage, who played in England’s victories over Argentina and Georgia but was rested for the 67-3 win over Romania in Otago last Saturday, is expected to be one of three changes to the side to face Scotland, with a place in the World Cup quarter-finals at stake for both sides.
Courtney Lawes, the Northampton lock, is also set to return to the second row after serving his two-match ban for striking Argentina hooker Mario Ledesma with his knee. Tom Palmer will drop to the bench.
The Saracens prop, Matt Stevens, has also recovered fully from a sprained ankle sustained against Georgia to return at loosehead prop in place of Alex Corbisiero.
Jonny Wilkinson will retain the fly-half position despite coming under mounting pressure from Toby Flood, while James Haskell, England’s outstanding forward of the tournament so far, is set to continue at No 8 in place of Nick Easter, who missed the game against Georgia and Romania with a back injury.
It is Armitage’s promotion that is the most eye-catching change, however. Cueto, absent against Argentina and Georgia with a back injury sustained during England’s final World Cup warm-up match against Ireland, looked to have returned to top form when he crossed the line three times in the first 26 minutes against Romania.
telegraph.co.uk