Sarries full-back Goode given first England start (From Enfield Independent)

Saracens full-back Goode handed first England start

9:37am Thursday 21st June 2012 in Local Sport By Simon Mail

Saracens full-back Alex Goode has been handed his first England start in this weekend's third Test against South Africa.

The 24-year-old has been rewarded for a consistent season for the Men in Black with a place in the side for the last match of the series in Port Elizabeth.

Goode came on during the second Test defeat and has taken the place of club team-mate David Strettle.

Goode is the only Saracens player in the starting lineup but Brad Barritt, Owen Farrell and Mouritz Botha are all named on the bench.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster said: "I am really pleased for Alex. He has worked hard in training and has been pushing Mike Brown and Ben Foden close so we are looking forward to him bringing his footballing skills to this Test."