Johnson playing ‘double-jeopardy’

ENGLAND manager Martin Johnson admits he is playing a game of “double-jeopardy” as the Guinness Premiership and Heineken Cup reach their climax.

Johnson is in the frustrating position of trying to plan England’s summer Test series against Argentina knowing he could lose players both to injury and to the Lions.

Leicester fly-half Toby Flood has already been ruled out for six months after damaging his Achilles in the Tigers’ Heineken Cup semi-final victory over Cardiff Blues last weekend.

And eye-catching performances in this weekend’s Premiership semi-finals could propel Leicester flanker Tom Croft and Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care closer to Lions selection.

Ian McGeechan is seeking a replacement for injured Ireland scrum-half Tomás O’Leary and potentially Munster’s Alan Quinlan, who faces a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday after being cited for alleged eye-gouging.

Around 20 potential England tourists will be in action tomorrow as the Tigers tackle Bath in the first Premiership semi-final, with Harlequins hosting London Irish in the late kick-off.

“It does affect your plans but guys get injured and you have to be aware of that and know who is next in line and what you are going to do,” said Johnson, who will name his squad after the Premiership final on May 19.

“We have also got this double-jeopardy where if other guys get injured we could lose players to the Lions. I want that to happen to guys if they can get that experience.

“The best thing our guys can do is to play some tough rugby with England against Argentina and if they are called up they are ready to go.”

Flood finished the RBS 6 Nations as England’s first-choice fly-half and his absence could open the door for Danny Cipriani to make his return to the Test scene.

Cipriani requires surgery this summer to have a three-inch pin removed from his ankle and Johnson would not confirm whether the operation will be delayed until after the tour. But he did insist that Flood’s injury would not influence the Cipriani decision either way.

“The medical side has to be right and if that happens you can make the decision rugby-wise. I won’t put pressure on guys to play if they are not right medically,” said Johnson.

“Toby was playing very well. He was starting for us and it is a big blow both for England and for Leicester.

“I spoke to Toby this week. This is a big injury. It is never routine coming back from something like that but there are good people with the know-how to get him back.”