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Robinson treads softly

07/10/2005

England coach Andy Robinson has advocated a softly-softly approach to the reintroduction of star players Jonny Wilkinson and Lawrence Dallaglio.

Wilkinson made an appearance off the bench for Newcastle last weekend after spending nearly the two years since his World Cup-winning drop goal almost permanently beset by injuries.

And he made a promising return, helping his team to a 34-9 victory over Sale by setting up a try for Matt Burke and converting it.

But Robinson was adamant that the star fly-half should be treated carefully.

"Right from the start the plan with Jonny was that he was going to focus on Newcastle and get back to playing rugby, enjoying his rugby and putting some games together," the coach said.

This brings alternative fly-half Charlie Hodgson into the frame for England’s first autumn international against Australia on November 12th.

And Robinson added that Dallaglio, who is set to return from an ankle injury today for Wasps against Cardiff, is in the same boat.

"Lawrence has not played yet, and Jonny has had half a game, so it is important they now have the games and the time to play," he said.

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