Woodward picks strike ringleaders

England team manager Clive Woodward today picked the ringleaders of the rugby pay strike to face Argentina at Twickenham on Saturday.

Two days ago, Woodward accused them of betraying him but today he selected Martin Johnson, Lawrence Dallaglio and Matt Dawson - the three men who led the players' revolt which culminated in a 34-hour strike.

The team shows five changes from the line-up that defeated world champions Australia last Saturday - but they are changes which Woodward had told the play-ers about before the dispute erupted.

Iain Balshaw comes in for Matt Perry, Ben Cohen returns to the wing after the death of his father to replace Austin Healey and Dawson takes over from Kyran Bracken.

Mark Regan appears at hooker for the first time in two years for the injured Phil Greening and prop Julian White is preferred to Phil Vickery. Winger Healey is not even named among the replacements.

However, it is clear that on Saturday the focus of attention will be on the "big three" of captain Johnson, Dallaglio and Dawson, who negotiated on behalf of the players during the pay dispute with the Rugby Football Union.

On Tuesday, Woodward accused them of betrayal and he made it clear again yesterday that he felt badly let down by the senior players in his squad after showing them unwavering support in all circumstances during his three years in the job.

The peace deal, brokered yesterday, allowed Woodward to train with his team for the first time yesterday afternoon, but they are behind schedule in their preparations to face the Pumas, who boast the strongest pack in world rugby.

The changes are designed to give England a cutting edge in the backs. This will be Balshaw's first start for his country. Cohen's return ends an emotional 12 days for the Northampton wing who was withdrawn from the side to face Australia hours after being selected when news of his father's death reached the team hotel.

Dawson reclaims the No 9 jersey after an incisive appearance as a replacement last Saturday while Regan and White are called up because England fear the Pumas' scrummaging power.