South Africa v England: Stuart Lancaster gambles with Ben Foden on the wing in first Test against Springboks If Marler's battle with the South Africa front row represents the elemental part of the contest, Foden's ability to cope with his particular situation throws up fascinating technical aspects. Foden has never started a Test match on the wing, nor has he ever played there for his current club, Northampton, since joining them from Sale in 2008, where he had one season on the wing as a youngster. If it works out, then it will be seen as shrewd judgment by Lancaster as he looks to counter South Africa's kicking game by having two full-backs at the rear. If it does not come off, and Foden's unfamiliarity with the defensive role is exposed, it will be a black mark against the England head coach. Foden himself acknowledges the difficulties. "It's a big ask defensively where it's a more aggressive form, working with the centres, and I've got to get to grips with that," he said. I'm going to have to be on top of my game. Attacking-wise, it gives me a chance to get more involved, to loiter round rucks and look for inside shoulders. I don't see it as a snub, more an opportunity, another string to my bow. A calf injury to Saracens wing David Strettle opened up the options for Lancaster, who has been itching to give Harlequins full-back Mike Brown a starting slot. Brown tops the Premiership charts for beating players in attack. Rather than have one or the other, Lancaster has gone for broke. "Sometimes you have to make a brave decision and it's about getting all your best players on the field," said the head coach. Lancaster had no qualms in handing a first cap to Johnson, whom he knows from the Saxons. Seven years ago, Johnson was on the point of following family tradition by joining the military. His father, Richard, was an Air Commodore in the RAF while his grandfather was air vice-marshal. Brother Ben has just returned from active service in Afghanistan. "I was asked at army interview if I thought I would make a professional rugby player and I said that I probably wouldn't," revealed Johnson. Lancaster explained his preference for Ben Youngs over Lee Dickson in the simple terms of Youngs" surging late-season form. He's sharp, hungry and playing as well as I've seen him. Lancaster has also chosen to promote exciting centre-cum-wing Jonathan Joseph, to the bench, a player dubbed "the next Jeremy Guscott," by England attack coach, Mike Catt, who has worked with him for three years at London Irish.