Morgan poised for debut as Balshaw’s injury jinx strikes again
The Gloucester full-back, whose Test career has often been stalled by injuries, suffered a groin problem during training yesterday at Bath University.
Balshaw was unable to complete the two-hour session, while Leicester flanker Lewis Moody held little more than a watching brief because of shoulder trouble sustained in the same workout.
Decisions on both players’ availability – Moody is due to be among the substitutes – are likely to be made before the England squad head for London.
If Balshaw is ruled out, then 21-year-old Olly Morgan could move straight into the starting line-up for his Test debut, although coach Brian Ashton might decide on switching either Josh Lewsey or Jason Robinson from wing duties and promoting Mathew Tait off the bench.
For his part Scottish captain Chris Paterson has insisted the burden of history is not weighing too heavily on his team’s shoulders.
Scotland have managed to win only four out of 42 matches at the home of English rugby since 1911, and they have not tasted success there for 24 years.
However, the Scotland captain says his team are far too pre-occupied preparing for the match to consider the historical baggage associated with the fixture.
“These records are just periphery really. We have more than enough to concentrate on and we know what we have to do to change those records,” said the 28-year-old utility back.
“We’re old enough and wise enough now to focus on our own build-up and our own development. The amount of focus that goes into getting our game right takes up all our time – we don’t have time to worry about anything else.
“Wherever you play you want to win – no more so at Twickenham than in Dublin, or wherever.”
Ahead of their game against Italy, stand-in captain Raphael Ibanez believes France will need “character” if they are to get their RBS 6 Nations Championship campaign off to a winning start in Italy this weekend.
Les Bleus begin the defence of their crown against a team who are regular ‘wooden-spoonists’ in the tournament, but who many people acknowledge are beginning to find their feet in the international arena.
The Azzurri claimed just one point in last year’s tournament. But they did run England and Ireland close and were more than a match for the French in the first half at the Stade de France.
With France head coach Bernard Laporte picking an experimental team, Ibanez knows it will be far from easy at the Stadio Flaminio.
“Italy have a team that is progressing match by match – the November Tests are testimony to that,” said the Wasps hooker.
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