Lewsey to miss World Cup final
Josh Lewsey has been one of England's most consistent players
Also In The News
|
It is not just humans who take advantage of timeshare properties abroad but certain species of animals as well, scientists claim. |  |
Monday, 15, Oct 2007 10:59
England winger Josh Lewsey has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup final against South Africa after suffering a torn hamstring against France.
The experienced number 11 would have been in line to play in his second successive final after playing at full-back in 2003 when England beat Australia 20-17 in extra time to lift the Webb-Ellis Trophy for the first time.
But he was forced off during the first half of the semi-final victory over France in Paris on Saturday night after pulling up short with what looked like a hamstring problem.
It has since been confirmed by the England medical team that Lewsey has suffered a grade one tear of his right hamstring and will require up to a month of treatment to get back to full fitness.
The 30-year-old gave England a dream start in the semi-final - taking advantage of an error by Damien Traille to touch down within 90 seconds of the start of the match.
Back-row forward Lawrence Dallaglio - a team-mate of Lewsey's in the 2003 showpiece match and also in club rugby for Wasps - said the loss of the talented back would be a blow but said the squad has enough depth to cope.
"It'll be a blow for him but one man's disappointment is another man's chance," said Dallaglio.
"I'm sure whoever comes in will do a fantastic job."
The injury means head coach Brian Ashton will be forced to change his team for the first time in the knockout stages of the competition.
And with a shortage of options on the wing and at full-back, centre Mathew Tait is expected to switch to Lewsey's position with replacement Dan Hipkiss - who was excellent when he came on against France - the likely starter in midfield.