Dallaglio, White - injury worries for England

England forwards Lawrence Dallaglio and Julian White look certain to miss national squad training today after picking up injuries during the latest round of Zurich Premiership action.

Wasps skipper Dallaglio hurt his shoulder in the 16-9 victory over Northampton, while Bristol Shoguns prop White suffered a wrenched knee playing against Memorial Stadium visitors Leeds.

Elsewhere, Gloucester captain and England tight-head Phil Vickery sat out Gloucester’s 29-22 win at Saracens because of a back complaint that also saw him miss last week’s Powergen Cup quarter-final clash between the clubs.

England kick-off their RBS Six Nations Championship campaign against title holders France in 12 days’ time.

“It is not serious, but I will definitely be out of training for a few days,” said Dallaglio.

“It is very disappointing when you are going to train with England. I am not the first guy to turn up with a slight knock, and I won’t be the last.”

Hooker Trevor Leota’s try proved the difference between two well-matched teams, but Northampton are dropping off the play-off pace, now nine points behind third-placed Leeds.

Gloucester maintained an eight-point advantage at the top, although it required a virtuoso performance from their French fly-half Ludovic Mercier to finally subdue Saracens’ spirited contribution.

Mercier amassed 24 points, passing 500 for Gloucester in the Premiership, while centre Terry Fanolua scored a try. Fanolua’s midfield colleague Robert Todd though, could now be cited by Saracens after home captain Kyran Bracken was the victim of an 11th-minute high tackle that forced him off.

Saracens coach Wayne Shelford, who indicated that Bracken might have suffered concussion, will make a decision after viewing video footage.

If concussion is confirmed, then Bracken must serve a mandatory 21-day rest period, ruling him out of England’s A international against France at Northampton on Friday week. He is due to captain England that night.

Sale Sharks remain firmly on course for the play-offs but they required late tries from forwards Iain Fullarton and Andy Titterrell to see them past Madejski Stadium hosts London Irish 23-11.

“I can see why Sale are second in the Premiership,” said Irish rugby director Conor O’Shea. “They have the best back-line, bar none, in the league. Sale will finish in the top three.”

Four Felipe Contepomi penalties were not enough for Bristol to avoid a 17-12 defeat against Leeds, and they are now just five points above bottom club Newcastle.

Referee Steve Lander awarded Leeds a penalty try, and number eight Isaac Feaunati also touched down, while fly-half Gordon Ross’ late drop goal sealed the win.