Robinson concern over number of injuries

Wilkinson definitely won't play Test rugby this year

England coach Andy Robinson has formally ruled Rugby World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson out of the forthcoming Australia Test as well as voicing his concerns over player welfare in the modern game.

Robinson, speaking to the media ahead of the South Africa game, said that Newcastle fly-half Wilkinson would not recover in time for the Australia Test on November 27.

"Jonny won't be fit for the Australia game, but he has been down with us and is making good progress," said Robinson.

Robinson also voiced concerns about the sheer number of injuries being suffered by players at present.

England prop Phil Vickery is the latest high-profile victim. Having only recently returned to action following six months out recovering from back surgery, he now faces six weeks' on the sidelines with a 'blow-out' fracture around his eye.

As for 43 times-capped Vickery, Robinson added: "It (the injury) won't affect his weights work or his running, so he will be able to maintain his fitness, but it is a big blow for Phil and for Gloucester.

"But then, there has been a number of injuries around the country recently. It is quite phenomenal.

"I think it means we need to look at the off-season and the number of games played.

"This is also something that the PRA (Professional Rugby Players' Association) need to get involved in, as players' welfare is their priority. I just feel the number of injuries at the moment is frightening."

With Wilkinson sidelined, full-back Jason Robinson will continue as skipper on Saturday when England target a sixth successive victory over the Springboks.

And he will need to do his talking on the pitch following a self-imposed media boycott this week in protest at what Robinson felt was "unwarranted media intrusion" into his private life.

Robinson, a born-again Christian and fiercely-committed family man, didn't attend the traditional England captain's press conference on Wednesday, and has also side-stepped all interviews.

"I backed Jason's stand," said Andy Robinson.

"It was about intrusion into his life outside rugby. He is a principled lad, and I agreed with him.

"The matter is now closed, and he will be speaking as captain after the match (tomorrow)."

South Africa arrive at Twickenham with their Grand Slam tour dream in tatters - a result of last Saturday's 17-12 defeat against Ireland - and England are relishing an opportunity to compound Springbok misery.

It is the first major test for Robinson since he replaced World Cup mastermind Sir Clive Woodward.

"Every time you play South Africa, it is very special because of their culture and their history, and also what the game means to them," said Robinson.

"My first game as a coach with England was against them at Loftus Versfeld (Pretoria), and I learnt very early that whoever takes a backward step against them has immediate problems.

"I know there will be some questions asked of us, and I believe we have the answers."

On paper, Robinson's men face some fearsome opponents, notably Schalk Burger, AJ Venter and Joe van Niekerk - arguably world rugby's finest back-row - lock Victor Matfield, probably the world's premier lineout forward, and prop Os du Randt, unquestionably world rugby's most imposing front-row figure.

England need to gain dominance up front, which is easier said than done, especially for a team whose lineout has not functioned on far too many occasions when the opposition really exert pressure.

And they must also make every tackle count against arguably the most aggressive and physically imposing team in world rugby.

England defence coach Phil Larder said: "We will be modifying our defence because however they (South Africa) may have changed certain things, they are still very much a momentum team who work very hard to get over the gain-line.

"Stopping their momentum is very important for us. We've got to beat them to the ball and be streetwise, quicker in thought and deed."