RUGBY:ENGLAND'S PREPARATIONS for the Rugby World Cup have suffered a setback after Danny Care was ruled out of the tournament because of a toe injury.
The scrumhalf, who has described himself as “absolutely devastated”, is to have surgery. Saracens’ Richard Wigglesworth is set to take his place in Martin Johnson’s 30-man squad for the finals in New Zealand, which begin on September 9th.
Johnson and the England Rugby Football Union had said there were no fresh injury concerns after Saturday’s 19-9 defeat by Wales in Cardiff, but they revealed the truth once the extent of Care’s injury became clear. The Harlequins number nine was a central figure in England’s first two warm-up games and had been a certainty to travel.
England’s disappointment will be magnified by the fact Leicester’s Ben Youngs has not played any competitive rugby since having an operation on his left knee in June. Wigglesworth, making a first Test start for three years, had to leave the field prematurely in Cardiff, after suffering a blow to the head.
If England need a scrumhalf in the knock-out stages there is a slim chance that Care could yet re-enter the equation, although he will be out for a minimum of six weeks. A more likely scenario is that Wigglesworth will travel as Youngs’s understudy, with Wasps’ Joe Simpson on standby. Simpson and Care are similar in style but Wigglesworth is the more experienced option.
Care’s absence could have tactical repercussions, particularly if Youngs takes time to rediscover his form. The management had been relying on Care to stay fit, enabling them to use the fullback Ben Foden at scrumhalf in an emergency. “We are all hugely disappointed for Danny who has worked extremely hard and has been an important part of the squad,” said Johnson. “He featured in both warm-up fixtures and was on course for selection so this injury is really disappointing for him and for us as a squad.”
Care (24) is at least young enough to be involved when England host the tournament in 2015. He has been doing his best to be philosophical. Among those quickest to express their support was Wigglesworth, who said: “Gutted for Danny . . . worst timing possible. Big loss to the squad as a player and a person.”
Johnson will confirm his 30-man squad on Monday, before England’s final warm-up game, against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday week. The squad are due to leave for New Zealand on August 29th.
GuardianService
