Balshaw injury blow for England

Gloucester back Iain Balshaw will miss England’s second Test clash against South Africa in Pretoria on Saturday due to injury.

Balshaw was carried off during the record 58-10 first Test defeat in Bloemfontein yesterday and underwent a minor operation to clean a wound on his right shin before rejoining the squad this morning.

Balshaw will take no further part in the tour and will fly home later today.

England have been able to deliver a more positive fitness bulletin on other players who were injured during a punishing contest at Vodacom Park.

Jonny Wilkinson, who went off with a facial laceration and a bruised lower back, is expected to train later this week together with flanker Andy Hazell, who sustained bruising to his left knee.

Hazell’s fellow flanker Pat Sanderson underwent checks on his neck, but England say that has settled well and he will be fit to train tomorrow.

Stomach virus victim David Strettle, meanwhile, was discharged from hospital yesterday and has rejoined the squad, with Andy Farrell and Peter Richards continuing their recovery from the same virus that meant they missed yesterday’s game.