Woodward defends tour

England coach Clive Woodward maintains he was right to take his inexperienced squad on tour to Argentina rather than give them a summer break.

England face Argentina A today, followed by a Test match against Argentina next weekend, a fixture that could see as many as five players winning their first caps.

"It would have been very easy to stay at home, put our feet up and watch the football, but I believe that we will get something out of these two weeks," said Woodward, who has left players of the calibre of Martin Johnson, Jonny Wilkinson, Jason Robinson, Richard Hill and Neil Back behind.

The England coach recognises Argentina are an improving force in world rugby and is confident his men will benefit from the experience.

He said: "We are under no illusions about how tough it is going to be.

"But I am very confident that I have brought a side here that can beat Argentina.

"Argentina are probably the most improved team in world rugby.

"They beat Scotland and Wales convincingly away from home last autumn, and should have beaten New Zealand earlier in the year, so we are pretty clear what we are in for.

"But it all makes for an exciting challenge in both games."

Newcastle forward Hugh Vyvyan will captain the England A selection this evening in a side that includes six capped players. Experience is provided in the shape of Bath hooker Mark Regan, Gloucester prop Trevor Woodman and Bristol wing David Rees.

Woodward also claims the Test team has not yet been finalised, giving those players in action an extra incentive.

England arrived in South America four days ago and have put in some concerted training sessions.

And they will have gained a first-hand view of what to expect from the Test match yesterday when the squad attended Argentina's surprise victory, 28-27, over reigning Six Nations champions France.