Wilkinson to miss Australia match - 橄欖球

Friday, 19 November, 2004, 16:18 GMT
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/4026397.stm
Wilkinson to miss Australia match


Jonny Wilkinson will miss the rest of England's autumn Test series after
failing to recover from a bicep injury.

The England captain has been dogged by setbacks since the 2003 World Cup
and was not in line for a comeback against South Africa on Saturday.

But the fly-half will now also sit out his country's World Cup final
rematch against Australia on 27 November.

"Jonny won't be fit for Australia, but he has been making good progress,"
said England coach Andy Robinson.

Robinson, who is also without prop Phil Vickery, voiced his concern about
the number of injuries affecting the squad.

"There has been a number of injuries around the country. It is quite
phenomenal," he said.

"I think it means we need to look at the off-season and the number of
games played.

"This is also something that the Professional Rugby Players' Association
needs to get involved in, as players' welfare is its priority. The number
of injuries at the moment is frightening."

South Africa arrive at Twickenham with their Grand Slam tour dream in tatters
after Saturday's 17-12 loss to Ireland.

But Robinson is taking nothing for granted against his visitors.

"Every time you play South Africa, it is very special because of their
culture and their history, and also what the game means to them," he said.

"My first game as a coach with England was against them and I learnt very
early that whoever takes a backward step against them has immediate problems.

"I know there will be some questions asked of us and I believe we have the
answers."

England defence coach Phil Larder added: "Stopping their momentum is
important for us. We've got to beat them to the ball, be streetwise,
quicker in thought and deed."

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