Borthwick passed fit for autumn dates
ENGLAND manager Martin Johnson finally received some good news last night when captain Steve Borthwick was passed fit for the autumn internationals.
It was feared the lock forward would be sidelined for months after he picked up an injury in Saturday’s bruising win over Harlequins but a scan revealed only a sprained rib cartilage.
The news comes after New Zealand-born centre Riki Flutey and full-back Delon Armitage were ruled out for the entire November series.
“Saracens and England supporters can relax,” said the club’s director of rugby Brendan Venter. “It’s not a serious problem and it certainly won’t stop Steve from being available for the internationals.”
England face Australia on 7 November with Argentina and New Zealand in the following weekends. There are also concerns over Harlequins pair Jordan Turner-Hall (shoulder) and David Strettle (foot). Meanwhile, Johnson was given a timely reminder of centre Dominic Waldouck’s credentials in Wasps’ win over Worcester on Sunday.
Waldouck played a part in both his side’s tries and Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks piled on the praise.
“Both defensively and with the ball he was a threat,” he said. “He has got the skill-set and I would love to see Dominic Waldouck playing for England.”