LONDON, 18 February 2005 — Uncapped Leicester fly-half Andy Goode was called into England’s squad yesterday for their Six Nations match against Ireland as coach Andy Robinson increased the pressure on Charlie Hodgson.
In the ongoing absence of injured World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson, Sale fly-half Hodgson has been England’s first-choice goalkicker.
But in last week’s match at home to France, Hodgson missed three penalties and a last ditch drop-goal as the world champions threw away an 11-point half-time lead in an 18-17 Twickenham defeat by the Grand Slam holders.
It was England’s second straight Six Nations defeat in two matches this season, following an 11-9 loss away to Wales and they have now lost eight of their last 11 games.
England back-up kicker Olly Barkley also missed three-penalty attempts against France.
Robinson who watched 24-year-old Goode kick 10 of England A’s 30 points in last week’s win over France A, said the Tigers No 10 deserved his chance.
“Andy has been knocking on the England door recently, with his good form for Leicester and I felt he impressed last week in his A game performance. So he earns his selection to the squad for what will be a massively important game against Ireland,” said the coach.
In the front row England will still be without prop Julian White, who missed the France game with a neck injury sustained against Wales, when they arrive at Dublin’s Lansdowne Road on February 27 to take on Grand Slam-chasing Ireland.
However, Robinson said of White: “I’m sure he will return to play an important part in our games later in the championship.”
