Dream debut still possible for Fourie

HENDRE FOURIE'S chances of making his England debut next month are still alive after he was kept with the England squad as they prepare for the forthcoming Autumn Internationals.

The South Africa-born 31-year-old back row injured his ribs in the first half of Leeds Carnegie's 6-3 defeat to Sale Sharks in the Aviva Premiership last Friday but after being assessed by the England medical staff yesterday, the injury has been classified as only bruising.

Fourie has stayed with the squad as they prepare for their opening Test with New Zealand on November 6, although Northampton's Tom Wood has been drafted in as cover.

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This is the second time injury has threatened to wreck Fourie's dream after a calf injury sent him home early from the summer tour to Australia.

Initial fears were that Fourie had damaged his rib cartledge, an injury which usually requires a two-to-three week lay-off that would have meant he was out of contention until the second international against Australia on November 13 at the earliest.

However, with the encouraging feedback from the medical staff, it is hoped Fourie – whose outstanding form for Leeds has earned a place in Johnson's elite squad – is at full strength towards the latter end of November when the romantic notion of an England debut against South Africa could be realised.

England team manager Martin Johnson also has injury concerns over Wasps pair Riki Flutey and Simon Shaw, who have calf problems, and David Wilson who has a sore back.

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Another concern to be highlighted on the first day of the training camp, however, was the fitness of Jonny Wilkinson.

The Toulon fly-half is expected to undergo a scan later today after complaining of a sore left shoulder. Halifax-born Charlie Hodgson has been drafted in as cover.

Hodgson toured with England to Australia in June and played in the midweek games but did not feature in the Tests.

Rookie Harlequins prop Joe Marler comes into the squad as cover for Wilson. Marler, 20, and Wood linked up with the squad at Pennyhill Park, along with Dan Ward-Smith (Wasps) and Brad Barritt (Saracens), who provide cover for Shaw and Flutey respectively.

Saracens are hopeful they can complete a deal to sign unsettled Wales star Gavin Henson.

Henson, who has not played rugby for 18 months, trained with the Aviva Premiership club yesterday.

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