Borthwick in all-clear for autumn Tests
ENGLAND captain Steve Borthwick’s rollercoaster injury ride took another upturn yesterday after he was given the green light to play in the autumn internationals.
Saracens feared their skipper had suffered an eye socket fracture when he was forced off in their narrow 19-16 win over Gloucester on Sunday. But scans yesterday revealed nothing more sinister than extreme swelling around the eye, clearing the lock for international duty in November.
The 29-year-old now faces between two and four weeks on the sidelines, meaning England manager Martin Johnson will have his leader at his disposal come 7 November when Australia visit Twickenham.
This latest twist comes after Borthwick picked up a rib injury earlier this month. There were concerns he had suffered a fracture, but a scan revealed only heavy bruising and he strapped himself up for the visit of Gloucester.
Martin Johnson will be desperate to call upon Borthwick’s experience after losing other key personnel from his squad. He is already without injured
Brive centre Riki Flutey and London Irish full-back Delon Armitage for the entire autumn programme. And Harlequins starlet Jordan Turner-Hall faces a long spell on the treatment table after having shoulder surgery last week. The 21-year-old, whose early season form won praise, suffered a tear to the tissue in his shoulder joint.
Borthwick’s immediate loss is a blow to Premiership leaders Saracens. The Vicarage Road outfit sit pretty at the top after four wins from four – the league’s only 100 per cent record.