Rugby Union: Wounded England to call up more reserves
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.TOM BEIM and Austin Healey, the Test wings in Auckland on Saturday, are out of the running for this week's gratuitously difficult international against South Africa in Cape Town, writes Chris Hewett. Healey dislocated his left shoulder tackling Jeff Wilson, while Beim suffered similar problems after being pounded into the ground by Jonah Lomu.
Clive Woodward and his coaching staff are now planning to draft Paul Sampson, the Wasps wing, into the squad. Leon Lloyd of Leicester and Bath's Adedayo Adebayo are also under consideration, and whoever gets the nod is likely to play at Newlands.
The other walking wounded are all on crutches. Jonny Wilkinson is unlikely to recover his fitness in time for the Test, Richard Pool-Jones is definitely out, and Tony Windo, the Gloucester prop, has left for home after tearing an abductor muscle and twanging a hamstring during scrummaging practice. "I can't sit down, so they're flying me first class in the hope that I'll have enough space to lie flat," he said. "Some people will do anything for an upgrade."
It is possible that Garath Archer will beat his ankle problems in time for the final tour match. The Newcastle lock has been struggling since Thursday and missed the 40-10 defeat by the All Blacks at Eden Park, but Woodward was hopeful of a quick response to treatment.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments