Kennedy gets nod after Blaze is put out
LONDON IRISH lock Nick Kennedy was yesterday added to Martin Johnson’s injury-ravaged England squad for the autumn Test series against Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.
Kennedy was given the nod after uncapped Richard Blaze limped out of Leicester’s victory over Northampton Saints on Saturday with a foot injury.
Johnson is set to name his matchday 22 for Saturday’s opener against Argentina tomorrow and may now opt for in-form Exiles star Kennedy.
The boss, however, has fresh doubts over the fitness of centre Mike Tindall after he limped off early in Gloucester’s 28-23 defeat to Sale on Friday night with a hamstring strain.
Tindall, 31, has missed his side’s last three matches and after been released by England to prove his fitness, this latest setback could rule him out of international contention.
Johnson responded to Tindall’s injury scare by calling up Biarritz centre Ayoola Erinle as cover, but Gloucester coach Bryan Redpath believes Tindall could yet be passed fit. “Hopefully it’s not too serious and he can get himself back on the pitch pretty quickly – but I wouldn’t know right now when that will be.”
On a positive note, Simon Shaw made his long-awaited return to action after a foot injury in Wasps’ defeat to Leeds yesterday. The veteran lock came off the bench to make his first appearance since starring for the British Lions in the summer.