Wilkinson's England comeback on hold
Newcastle boss Rob Andrew has warned Andy Robinson not to risk Jonny Wilkinson for England’s autumn internationals after the star fly-half suffered yet another frustrating injury setback.
Wilkinson is set to be out for between four and six weeks after undergoing keyhole surgery to remove an inflamed appendix on Friday evening.
He had been due to play for Newcastle in yesterday’s 16-14 Guinness Premiership defeat to newly-promoted Bristol but is now facing another depressing stint on the sidelines.
“I think it pretty much puts paid to the autumn internationals, so it will most likely be over two years that he hasn’t played for England,” said Andrew.
A six-week break would leave Wilkinson with just two Newcastle games – against Borders in the European Challenge Cup and Gloucester in the Premiership – before England take on Australia at Twickenham.
Asked about the danger of a Test recall with that little rugby under his belt, Andrew stated: “That mistake was made in the summer with the Lions, and let’s not repeat it again.
“We have a good relationship with the England management. Andy Robinson was up here the week before last, and I am sure they will be sensible about it.
“Let him play, see how he’s playing and then make a judgement on whether he should play for England. Don’t pick him before he has played any rugby, because it doesn’t do him or the team any favours at all.
“Just let him play, because he needs the chance to come back mentally and physically until he is comfortable.
“Everybody knows he was not comfortable about what happened on the Lions tour when they took him as a fit-again player needing games, didn’t give him games, then threw him in to the Test side out of position against the best team in the world.
“He wasn’t given a chance to prove himself, so he was straight in, unprepared, and we all know what happened.”
Robinson, as one of the Lions’ senior coaches, must bear some of the responsibility for the way Wilkinson was handled in New Zealand.
He last night issued a get well soon message which gave no clues as to whether the man he appointed England captain this time last year would finally take the field.
“I wish Jonny a speedy recovery from his appendix operation and look forward to seeing him back in action on the pitch shortly,” Robinson said.
Without Wilkinson, the Falcons went down 16-14 as newly promoted Bristol went top of the Premiership.
Their coach Richard Hill said: “We have had a great two weeks. The players have been terrific.”
Matt Burke missed a last-minute conversion from the touchline that would have earned Newcastle a draw but Andrew describing the performance as “unacceptable”.
Saracens will be without Andy Farrell for another “two or three weeks” as he continues to recover from a bruised toe suffered in a pre-season trial match.
Saracens boss Steve Diamond confirmed the toe is not broken – but he revealed Farrell’s rugby union debut, which has already spent a month on ice, is still some way off.
“Farrell needs another two or three more weeks definitely,” said Diamond.
“It is very painful and needs rest. He is off his feet and the toe is isolated in a boot. There is no point him coming back early because the injury will be there all season. We don’t want to have a bloke of his abilities to be worrying about his toe.”
Dan Scarbrough turned on the style against his old club as Saracens ran out 34-16 winners.
The England fullback, who had a shoulder reconstruction last season, scored once and helped create tries for Thomas Castaignede and Kevin Sorrell as Saracens opened a 27-3 lead at the interval.
Matt Cairns was driven over for the fourth score to secure the bonus point after just 46 minutes.
“We want to try to achieve something this year and I think it showed. There was a hunger in all the team,” said coach Mike Ford.
Worcester followed up their opening day draw against Gloucester with a 20-15 victory at London Irish.
Referee Martin Fox awarded the Warriors a 78th-minute penalty try for an infringement at the scrum.
Shane Drahm converted and then added a superb 40-metre drop-goal to seal the points in the 80th minute.
“We have a group of guys who believe they can match anyone in this league but all the margins are very tight,” said Worcester boss John Brain.
