debutants
Liam Botham (22, just signed to play on the wing for Newcastle): After a lengthy debate with his cricketing legend dad Ian over whether to play for England or Wales (where, until last month, he was turning out for champions Cardiff), he turned out for England A during the Six Nations and scored tries against France and Wales. He says: “I’ve still got a lot to learn but I can’t wait to get out there.”
Ben Johnston (20, centre, Saracens): He’s come through the Saracens youth system but he’s a Liverpudlian who has played for England at all the junior levels – Under 19, Under 21 and A. Hasn’t been around long enough for a real verdict on his international potential.
Leon Lloyd (22, wing, Leicester): One of the few new guys I’ve actually met. Nice lad, great potential – has already played for England against Queensland last summer and was a non-playing member of the World Cup squad. Has been playing at centre with some success for champions Leicester this season.
Rob Thirlby (21, will be wing or fullback for Bath next season): One of the growing band of Cornish youngsters coming through, he helped Saracens into Europe before switching to a club closer to home in Bath. Consistent goalkicker, probably best at fullback.
Martyn Wood (23, scrummie for Wasps): Could play a major role in South Africa with Matt Dawson and Andy Gomarsall out. Another non- playing member of the World Cup squad, he has yet to represent his country at the top level.
Steve Borthwick (20, lock forward for Bath): Stands tall in the line-out, stands firm in the scrum, this lad from Cumbria will go all the way after breaking into the Bath side last winter.
David Flatman (20, largely a loosehead prop for Saracens): Made his Premiership debut for Saracens only last year, but he knows his stuff in among the hulks who make up the front row. In effect he’ll be the new Jason Leonard, though he’s hardly likely to enjoy that description.
Andrew Sheridan (20, lock for Bristol): Not the kind of guy you want to meet in a dark alley. He’s strong, he’s big, and he’s bloody heavy. At 20 stone, he’ll only get bigger, and the South Africans may soon be calling him Vleis Sheridan in the finest tradition of Afrikaner props of his girth.
Paul Volley (28, flank, Wasps): Not all that young really, after 12 years at Wasps, but he’s finally got his chance after helping his club to the Tetley Bitter Cup triumph over Northampton.
Julian White (27, prop, Saracens): Another not-so-young newcomer, but he’s had plenty of experience around the world. He arrived at Sarries from Welsh giants Bridgend. Before that he played for Hawkes Bay and Canterbury in New Zealand, where he learnt all he needed to know about the front row – which is probably why he was banned for punching at Newcastle earlier in the season.
Roy Winters (24, flank, Bedford): Yes, Bedford do have the odd outstanding player, despite the winter they’ve just been through. Winters can play in most positions at the back of the scrum; in the loose or the second row. Played for England A back in 1997 and his versatility could see him appear in a Test.
Full squad for five-match tour of South Africa, June 13-28: Backs: M Perry, T Stimpson, J Lewsey, R Thirlby, A Healey, B Cohen, L Botham, D Luger, S Hanley, M Tindall, M Catt, W Greenwood, B Johnston, L Lloyd, J Wilkinson, K Bracken, M Wood, S Benton. Forwards: J Leonard, D Flatman, T Woodman, D Garforth, W Green, J White, P Greening, M Regan, A Long, M Johnson (capt), S Shaw, D Grewcock, S Borthwick, A Sheridan, R Hill, N Back, J Worsley, P Volley, R Winters, L Dallaglio, M Corry.
Tour itinerary: June 13, North-West Districts (Potchefstroom, 3.10pm); June 17, South Africa (Pretoria, 3.10pm); June 20, Griqualand West (Kimberley, 1.30pm); June 24, South Africa (Bloemfontein, 3.10pm); June 28, Gauteng Falcons (Brakpan, 5.15pm).