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England cut down by Oz

14/ 6/2006

MAGNUS Lund's international debut ended in disappointment as England slumped to a soul-destroying 34-3 defeat in the first Test against Australia.

Lund executed his duties well, worked hard and refused to be cowed by the magnitude of the occasion, qualities that are likely to earn him a starting place for the second Test on Saturday.

Sharks Charlie Hodgson, Mark Cueto and Andrew Sheridan (injury) were among the crop of high-profile absentees permitted to miss the tour to rest ahead of another tough club rugby season and preparations for the 2007 World Cup.

The absence of several of Andy Robinson's first-choice side paved the way for younger players to experience international action - Lund was one of three debutants - but it also made a pasting easier for the Aussies.

The naive but plucky England side posted just three points in the match with a kick from flyhalf Olly Barkley.

Sharks' Chris Jones has waited patiently for his chance to break back into the national side after being ignored by Robinson last season and snatched his chance to impress when he was introduced after 57 minutes.

Jones gave impetus to the forwards and out-performed his England team-mates Alex Brown and Louis Deacon in the line-out, staking his claim on a starting place for the second Test, which will take place in Melbourne.