Rugby: D-Day for Dawson

Matt Dawson’s hopes of facing Australia at Twickenham on Saturday could hinge on a fitness test this morning.

The Northampton scrum-half has been out of action since suffering a hamstring injury while leading England in last month’s Six Nations loss to Ireland in Dublin.

Dawson missed the Saints’ Heineken Cup loss to Montferrand on Saturday and must be a major worry to add to Clive Woodward’s woes ahead of the clash with the world champions.

The England coach is already without key forwards Martin Johnson and Lawrence Dallaglio.

Dawson said: ‘‘I had a test last Thursday but it wasn’t quite right for the weekend. It was good, but not quite right.

‘‘Now I’ve got to get myself sorted out for next weekend, either for England or Northampton.

‘‘I will be talking to Clive about it and hopefully making a decision on Monday.’’

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones last night voiced his disappointment after Australia’s second string were given a thorough examination by Oxford University at Iffley Road.

The tourists triumphed 52-27, scoring eight tries, but they led by just four points with 15 minutes remaining.

Although none of yesterday’s starting line-up is likely to feature against England, it was still an often below-par display from Jones’ men.

‘‘We created four or five try-scoring chances, which we didn’t take and that was disappointing,’’ Jones said.

‘‘But the overall effort was good, and you have to remember that a lot of those guys out there haven’t played for some time.’’