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Rugby Union

Balshaw out of Springbok tour

27/05/2007

Iain Balshaw has been ruled out of England's tour to South Africa with a shin injury.

The Gloucester back will return home today after being carried off in yesterday's humiliating 58-10 defeat in Bloemfontein.

Balshaw had minor surgery last night to clean a wound on his right shin before rejoining the rest of the squad this morning.

He went off after 57 minutes to receive treatment before being eventually replaced by James Simpson-Daniel, who touched down in the corner after a well-worked backs move.

Balshaw had been drafted into the side as a replacement for David Strettle on the right wing after the Harlequins star picked up the mystery virus that has hampered England's preparations.

But there was rare good news on the injury front for the other players who picked up knocks during yesterday's clash at Vodacom Park.

Jonny Wilkinson, who went off with a facial laceration and a bruised lower back, is expected to return to training this week along with flanker Andy Hazell, who suffered bruising to his left knee.

Flanker Pat Sanderson underwent checks on his neck and will also be fit to train tomorrow.

Strettle was discharged from hospital yesterday and has rejoined the squad after being laid low with a stomach virus.

Andy Farrell and Peter Richards meanwhile continue their recovery from the mystery bug that forced them to withdraw from the squad for yesterday's first Test.

Coach Brian Ashton, who is without 30 players due to injuries or club commitments, will hope for a major improvement in next weekend's second Test in Pretoria.

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