Rugby: Robinson set for sale return

Sale are ‘‘reasonably hopeful’’ that England star Jason Robinson will make his comeback from injury in Sunday’s Zurich Premiership clash at Newcastle.

Robinson missed England’s record 50-10 Lloyds TSB Six Nations Championship victory over Wales last weekend because of an abdominal muscle problem.

England boss Clive Woodward switched Austin Healey from wing to full-back as Robinson’s replacement, and although the reigning Six Nations champions were denied their main strike-runner, they still registered five tries.

If, as looks likely, Robinson regains fitness for Sunday week’s Six Nations finale against Italy in Rome, then Woodward faces picking two of Healey, Ben Cohen or Dan Luger as his wings.

Healey and Cohen have been first-choices during the Six Nations campaign, but Luger bagged two tries in the Welsh romp, making strong claims to retain a starting place.

‘‘Jason is improving every day,’’ said Sale coach Jim Mallinder. ‘‘We are reasonably hopeful that he will be able to start against Newcastle.’’

Robinson has been named in a 23-man Sale squad, which also includes fly-half Charlie Hodgson.

Like Robinson, Hodgson also missed out on the Wales game he was selected as bench cover for Jonny Wilkinson because of ankle trouble, but Mallinder added: ‘‘Charlie is definitely back to fitness.’’

Sale, currently third in the Premiership, know that victory over a faltering Falcons side, would mean another giant stride being taken towards Heineken Cup qualification next season.