England are facing a scrum-half crisis after injuries to Matt Dawson and Kyran Bracken left them with just one fit No.9 ahead of Saturday’s World Cup crunch match against South Africa.
Dawson suffered a bang to his leg while Bracken was replaced on the bench moments before kick-off in England’s Pool C 84-6 win over Georgia after suffering a flare-up of a back problem.
The extent of the injuries to both players was not immediately clear, but England coach Clive Woodward is taking no chances and hastily phoned home to get untested Bath scrum-half Martyn Wood on a flight Down Under.
Woodward stressed that Wood was being brought out as a precaution and that no final decision on either Bracken or Dawson would be made until Thursday — 48 hours before the Springboks showdown.
”We will monitor the progress of Matt Dawson and Kyran Bracken every 24 hours before making a final decision on their availability for the South Africa game up to, and including, Thursday,” Woodward said.
”Martyn is not joining the squad. However, if he is required, then he will do a good job.”
It is believed Woodward had initially contacted utility back Austin Healey but the Leicester Tigers player, one of five players who narrowly missed out on a place in the original 30-man squad, was injured.
If Dawson and Bracken are ruled out of the South Africa game at the Subiaco Oval, third choice scrum-half Andy Gomarsall will start.
Gomarsall has been a fringe member of the England squad in recent years, but enjoyed a superb season for Gloucester last year and was outstanding in the 43-9 demolition of Wales in Cardiff at the end of August.
The injuries to Dawson and Bracken took the gloss of England’s 12-try romp over the Georgians on Sunday, but Woodward was nevertheless pleased with his side’s display.
”It was a great workout and our guys know they were in a very, very physical match,” Woodward said.
”It just shows that in the World Cup a team like Georgia can play. They acquitted themselves very, very well and played in an exemplary spirit.”
England skipper Martin Johnson said the never-say-die attitude of the Georgians had provided his team with the sort of physical workout they had been seeking.
”At times we tried to play a bit wide, but it was tough,” Johnson said. ”When they got the ball, especially in the second half, they caused some problems. We know we have been in a tough game.
”We didn’t concede a try and that is good. Some of our targets weren’t achieved. At times we missed opportunities, at times we played good rugby. We’ll be better for it next week.”
Woodward said England were relishing the prospect of Saturday’s game against the Springboks, adding that the ill-feeling from last November’s spiteful encounter at Twickenham was history.
”It’s a huge challenge. It’s a great match between two of the best sides in the world,” Woodward said. I think we must forget about last November and I think everyone involved has apologized and just wants to forget about it.” – Sapa-AFP