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Last Updated: Monday, 28 May 2007, 15:42 GMT 16:42 UK
England delay team announcement
Pat Sanderson
Pat Sanderson was one of the players injured in the first Test
England will leave it as late as possible before naming their injury- and illness-ravaged team for Saturday's second Test against South Africa.

Four players missed the opening Test because of sickness and six more were injured in the 58-10 loss. Two of those players have since come home.

Forwards coach John Wells said the team would be named "as late as practical given the state of illness and injury".

Saturday's second Test takes place at Loftus Versfeld.

"We know what we have got available to us, and we will want to see over the next two days what we can take into the Test match," said Wells.

"We are pretty comfortable with what forwards are fit, but two guys have said they are not feeling well today. Let's just see what happens over the next 24-48 hours."

Dave Strettle has rejoined the squad after requiring rehydration treatment in hospital, but it is unclear if he will be available for selection.

Jonny Wilkinson was England's top tackler in the first Test and unsurprisingly found himself in the wars, suffering facial laceration and bruising to his back.

But assistant coach Mike Ford said it was hard to keep the influential number 10 out of the firing line.

"It is difficult at times to say to him to stand to the side a little bit and let someone else take over," he said.

"We have tried that tactic, so what we are going to try to do is get players to move him, push him out of the way and say 'Jonny, we are going to make this tackle, we are going to take the back row on', and hopefully, not give him an option.

"But Jonny's enthusiasm, desire and competitiveness puts him up there."



SEE ALSO
South Africa 58-10 England
26 May 07 |  English
Yates replaces Wood for England
25 May 07 |  English
Dawson queries Wilkinson call-up
18 May 07 |  English
Balshaw replaces Cohen for tour
08 May 07 |  English
Cohen out of SA tour & World Cup
04 May 07 |  English


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