Balshaw's race against time

Iain Balshaw is battling to be fit for England’s RBS 6 Nations Championship clash against Wales at Twickenham next week.

The Bath full-back suffered a groin injury during club training today, and he faces a scan on Friday.

Balshaw won his 22nd cap during the 19-13 defeat against Ireland last weekend, when another below-par performance left him battling to retain England’s number 15 jersey.

England head coach Clive Woodward is due to name his squad for the Wales game tomorrow.

Either Josh Lewsey or Jason Robinson would appear to be better bets than Balshaw in the full-back position on current form, but any selection decision might now have already been made for Woodward.

Balshaw was expected to have a run for Bath United in Saturday’s Zurich A League match against London Irish at the Recreation Ground, but those hopes have now been dashed.

“Iain has hurt his groin,” said Bath coach John Connolly. “He would have played on Saturday, but could now be sidelined for seven to 10 days.”

Chris Mallac, Bath’s head of physical preparation, added: “It is pretty sore, and Iain will be going for a scan on Friday when everything has died down.

“I would expect the scan to show that he has a grade one mild strain, but we will have to wait and see.”

The Wales fixture is in just 10 days’ time, and the England squad will assemble at their Surrey training base on Monday, when Woodward is likely to announce his starting XV.

Balshaw, 24, has been an ever-present in England’s Six Nations side this season.

England centre Mike Tindall is set to play a half of the United game as he continues his comeback from a serious ankle injury, suggesting the World Cup star might be involved against Wales.

Lock Danny Grewcock, who missed the Ireland match through injury, will not be involved this weekend but is expected to be fully fit for consideration to meet Wales.