Ashton won’t be risked

ENGLAND manager Martin Johnson will take no risks with injury doubt Chris Ashton in today’s World Cup warm-up international against Wales.

Ashton is still feeling the effects of the rolled ankle he suffered in training and will undergo a fitness test in Cardiff this morning.

Johnson remains hopeful Ashton will be available to start at the Millennium Stadium and link up with Ben Foden and Mark Cueto in England’s first-choice back three.

But, given the proximity of the World Cup — England’s opening game against Argentina is on September 10 in Dunedin — Johnson will be taking no chances: “He’s a bit sore so we’ll see how he is tomorrow. Hopefully he will play.”

Meanwhile, Bath have completed the signing of New Zealand fly-half Stephen Donald on a three-year deal.

The 27-year-old, who has 22 international caps but hasn’t lined for the All Blacks since 2009, arrives at the Rec from Super 15 side Chiefs.