Borthwick in doubt for France clash
Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:57
England captain Steve Borthwick has endured a recurrence of a knee injury ahead of the Six Nations finale against France on Saturday, joining Jonny Wilkinson and Ugo Monye on the 'doubtful' list.
Borthwick has been to specialist treatment, but it looks as if he will not be available to take on the Grand Slam-chasing Les Bleus.
This adds a further selection headache to England Manager Martin Johnson, who also could be without veteran flyhalf Wilkinson and Lions wing Ugo Monye for the Stade de France clash.
"Steve has gone for treatment for a long-term wear and tear issue he has got with his knee. I don't know [whether he is a doubt] at the moment," Johnson told reporters.
"He has to go and seek some advice. Hopefully it is just precautionary and he will be fine. Lots of guys carry things because they play a lot of rugby."
Despite the mounting injury list, Johnson is confident that his side can end a
disappointing tournament off on a high and, most especially, is hoping that the squad can shake off the ‘shackled’ tag which he believes has been unfairly cast on the team.
"Frustration was the buzzword on Saturday within our group and not much has changed. The perception that the team is shackled and inhibited is wrong.
"We tried to do the right thing most of the time against Scotland but the mistakes killed us."
Despite being out of the tournament, Johnson also dismissed suggestions that France would be hungrier for the win because of the lure of a Grand Slam victory.
"They have been the form team of the tournament but we are an international team playing for England and we want to perform," said Johnson.
"They have got a lot to lose in terms of not winning a Grand Slam. We have a lot to lose every time we play for England."
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