Blow for Robinson as injuries take toll on England

ENGLAND coach Andy Robinson last night formally ruled World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson out of his autumn Test plans.

The Newcastle fly-half, currently troubled by a bicep injury following his prolonged neck and shoulder problems, will extend an enforced exile from international rugby beyond a year by missing next week’s World Cup final rematch against Australia.

Confirmation of the inevitable came as Robinson completed preparations for an eagerly-awaited Twickenham showdown between England and Tri-Nations champions South Africa today.

And Robinson also voiced concerns about the sheer number of injuries being suffered by players at present.

England prop Phil Vickery is the latest high-profile victim. Having only recently returned to action following six months out recovering from back surgery, he now faces six weeks’ on the sidelines with a ‘blow-out’ fracture around his eye.

Robinson said: “Jonny won’t be fit for the Australia game, but he has been down with us and is making good progress.”

With Wilkinson sidelined, full-back Jason Robinson will continue as skipper today when England target a sixth successive victory over the Springboks. It is the first major test for Robinson since he replaced World Cup mastermind Clive Woodward. On paper, Robinson’s men face some fearsome opponents, notably Schalk Burger, AJ Venter and Joe van Niekerk - arguably world rugby’s finest back-row - lock Victor Matfield, probably the world’s premier lineout forward, and prop Os du Randt, unquestionably world rugby’s most imposing front-row figure.

England need to gain dominance up front, which is easier said than done, especially for a team whose lineout has not functioned on far too many occasions when the opposition really exert pressure.

And they must also make every tackle count against arguably the most aggressive and physically imposing team in world rugby.

Du Randt has warned England to expect “no mercy.” He is the only surviving member of South Africa’s victorious 1995 World Cup squad and yesterday, on the eve of making his 50th Test appearance, he s gave England a taste of what to expect.

“Off the pitch I’m a really easy-going guy. On it I won’t try to hurt you, but I’ll take the game to you within the laws of the sport - I’ll tackle you, take the ball forward and ruck you if you’re on the wrong side,” he said. “There’s never any revenge but I won’t show any mercy.”

ENGLAND: J Robinson; M Cueto, H Paul, M Tindall, J Lewsey; C Hodgson; A Gomarsall; G Rowntree, S Thompson, J White; D Grewcock, S Borthwick ;J Worsley, L Moody, M Corry (Leicester).

SOUTH AFRICA: P Montgomery; B Paulse, M Joubert, D Wet Barry, J de Villiers; J van der Westhuyzen, F du Preez ; O du Randt, J Smith, E Andrews; B Botha, V Matfield; S Burger, A J Venter, J van Niekerk.

Referee: A Rolland (Ireland).

Touch judges: P Honiss (New Zealand) and M Changleng (Scotland).