Saxons will give Barnes confidence – Bristol boss Hill

Richard Hill has backed Ed Barnes – Bristol's international rugby "flag-carrier" – to profit from his England Saxons start.

The Bristol fly-half has been named in the starting line-up for the England second-string's clash with Portugal at Edgeley Park, Stockport, tomorrow.

He will partner Leicester's established international scrum-half Harry Ellis behind the pack and is charged with sparking a back-line that includes Nick Abendanon and Tom Varndell.

And his club boss is sure the experience will benefit the 28-year-old playmaker.

"It's good to have some international recognition for the club and Ed is carrying the flag for Bristol," said head coach Hill.

"Ed has not had a massive amount of Premiership experience and yet he has had a hell of a lot of responsibility put on his shoulders this season. It has been a difficult season for him but he has done very well in those difficult circumstances. He needs another one, two or three seasons in the Premiership and he will become a very accomplished player.

"Playing for the Saxons will give him a lot of confidence and a real lift. It gives players another lease of life to really keep working hard on their game."

Bristol assistant coach Paul Hull is also involved in tomorrow's game against Portugal, having recently been appointed to the same role with the Saxons.

And young Bath prop Nathan Catt, who has made just three first-team appearances for his club – all from the bench – is named among the Saxons replacements.

England Saxons: N Abendanon (Bath); T Varndell (Leicester), D Waldouck (Wasps), A Powell (Saracens), N Cato (Saracens); E Barnes (Bristol), H Ellis (Leicester); D Cole (Leicester), R Webber (Wasps), D Wilson (Newcastle), J Crane (Leicester), G Skivington (Wasps), K Myall (Leeds), A Saull (Saracens), P Dowson (Newcastle, capt). Reps: J Ward (Wasps), N Catt (Bath), T Mercey (Saracens), J Fisher (London Irish), J Simpson (Wasps), A Goode (Saracens), M Smith (Leicester).