Rugby Digest:Martin Corry could regain the England captaincy for Sunday's Six Nations showdown with title favourites France - just two months and three Tests after he lost it.
England's worrying injury problems mean skipper Phil Vickery and another potential leader, outhalf Jonny Wilkinson, are battling to face the French at Twickenham.
And that might open the door for Leicester number eight Corry, who captained England throughout 2006 when the world champions suffered a record-equalling seven successive Test defeats.
One of England head coach Brian Ashton's first moves after he replaced Andy Robinson was to appoint Vickery as skipper.
But the 30-year-old Wasps tighthead suffered concussion during his club's Premiership victory against Bristol on Sunday, and will be subjected to an ongoing medical review over the next 48 hours.
Wilkinson, meanwhile, was due to undergo a scan on his right hamstring. England's record points-scorer limped off late in Newcastle's heavy league defeat against London Irish on Saturday.
If he is sidelined then Newcastle colleague Toby Flood would be an obvious replacement.
Uncapped Shane Geraghty could also be considered after being drafted into England's training squad, joining Sale Sharks forwards Stuart Turner and Chris Jones in providing "precautionary cover" for Wilkinson, Vickery and Bath lock Steve Borthwick (ribs) respectively.
Borthwick is expected to train tomorrow, but centre Andy Farrell might not even get that far. Farrell is receiving treatment for "acute lower back pain," with a decision on his fitness expected tomorrow.
Bristol later revealed they had suspended tighthead prop Jason Hobson following the incident involving Vickery.
Morgan given all-clear
Wales head coach Gareth Jenkins has been assured there is no risk attached to playing fullback Kevin Morgan against Italy just a month after he suffered a fractured jaw.
Morgan got the injury during Wales' 21-9 defeat to Scotland on February 10th and after undergoing surgery he was not expected to resume full-contact training until next week.
But Morgan has been given the all-clear to play at the Stadio Flaminio and replaces Lee Byrne in an otherwise unchanged starting XV from the defeat to France in Paris.
Jenkins said: "It is not a gamble according to the surgeon that operated on him. He was absolutely clear he is very comfortable we are in a position to select Kevin.
"And we are confident with the way he has reacted in training during the last week that he is ready to play."
Winger Mark Jones and prop Chris Horsman have both shaken off injury concerns to be included, while Gareth Thomas returns from a four-week suspension on the bench.
WALES (v Italy):K Morgan; M Jones, T Shanklin, J Hook, S Williams; S Jones (captain), D Peel; G Jenkins, M Rees, C Horsman, I Gough, A-W Jones, A Popham, M WIlliams, R Jones. Replacements:R Thomas, D Jones, A Jones, B Cockbain, J Thomas, M Phillips, G Thomas.
Jack on Saracens list
Chris Jack could become the latest All Black to move to England with Saracens having admitted interest in signing the player.
The Crusaders lock is in the last year of his contract with the New Zealand and Tasman Rugby Unions and may well follow Super 14 colleague Aaron Mauger to England.
All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock has extended his contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) until the end of 2009.
The 26-year-old Auckland forward, who has played 27 times for the All Blacks since making his debut in 2002, has committed himself to playing in New Zealand for at least another three years.
