Having won his previous caps on the wing, the former Jersey RFC forward is being handed a chance to put forward his World Cup squad claims at outside centre.
The former Jersey RFC giant is one of four changes from the side that won in such style on Saturday, but England manager Martin Johnson said: ‘It’s about picking the best team to play this week against Samoa. They are a very dangerous side and could have won against Ireland last weekend. They have got our full attention for this game.’
He believes that the 6 ft 7 in, 18-stone Banahan is more than a match for the big-hitting Samoans and that, with his speed with the ball in hand, is ready to excel at outside centre. ‘He’s played a number of Test matches on the wing and done very well,’ he added.
