From the Touchlines: Johnno's first squad

Martin Johnson gave the first indications of his England reign when naming his 32-man squad to tour New Zealand next month earlier today.

As expected, Bath lock Steve Borthwick was named captain, albeit temporarily with regular captain Phil Vickery currently out injured. Borthwick is an obvious choice as skipper - he led England in Vickery's absence against Italy and has the same no-nonsense approach to both his leadership and playing as Johnno did during his playing days.

The main talking point of the squad is not the captain, however, but the players that have been dropped. Notable absentees are in the backline, with Iain Balshaw and Lesley Vainikolo, who played in every game of the Six Nations under Brian Ashton, left out of the squad altogether. Both players were heavily criticised for their lacklustre displays in the tournament and their removal entirely sends out the message that Johnson is moving things on.

Harder decisions for Johnson, however, were leaving behind former fly-halves Ryan Lamb and Shane Geraghty. With Danny Cipriani still massively inexperienced, the former England captain has opted for the experienced back-up of Charlie Hodgson and Olly Barkley - a wise decision for a rugby territory as unforgiving as New Zealand.

Looking over the 32 players in the squad, the major surprises are few and far between. Lock Simon Shaw's massively unlucky to miss out. In an ironic twist, it was Johnson who kept him outside of England's starting XV for so many years.

As for the six new faces: Topsy Ojo, Danny Care, Jason Hobson, Dylan Hartley, David Paice and Nick Kennedy, they're all worthy of a chance against what will be an under-strength but still formidable New Zealand line-up. So all in all we'd give Johnson a thumbs-up for his first squad.

What do you make of Johnson's first England squad? Has he included and left out the right people? Post your comments below...

Comments

[Tim B]

About time Danny Care got a call-up. Saw him play in the Hong Kong Sevens and, back then, it seemed a matter of time before England came calling. Hope he gets a chance to play although I fear Wigglesworth will be Johnson's man of choice at numero nine.

[Stefan]

Anyone thought about Johnson on board with the Lions. He and McGeechan have got a good rapport from past tours. reckon that combination would end up striking fear into the Springboks. would me a mouth watering mix.

[Bentos]

It's a joke that Johnson's in charge but not even going on the tour. NOt a good start!!

[Wiggo]

There's some crackers in there. I've not seen a player as quick as Topsy Ojo. Looking forward to it. Does anyone know who's showing the Tests? I assume it's Sky.

[BH]

Borthwick's getting past it and not sure he'd even make my first fifteen let alone be captain. But hopefully Johnson knows what he's doing. England can't afford another farcical reign...

[Derek Meikle]

How is Ryan Lamb not there when he's directed everything Gloucester have done on their way to topping the Premiership? He's done a hell of a lot more than Charlie Hodgson for starters. And so what if he's young. Martin Johnson always used to say that if you're good enough, you're in regardless of age. That's the first step he's put wrong.