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Rugby Union

Robinson misses Ireland showdown

23/02/2007

Jason Robinson has been ruled out of England's crunch Six Nations match against Ireland at Croke Park.

The winger has been suffering from a neck injury that he sustained in training with the international side on Wednesday and has failed in his bid to be fit to take his place in the team for tomorrow's match.

Robinson will be replaced by uncapped Harlequins winger David Strettle, who was called up earlier this week specifically as cover for the Sale star.

The loss of Robinson means Ireland will be the favoured team on Saturday and the odds will continue to be stacked against the visiting side if star fly-half Jonny Wilkinson fails to recover from a tight hamstring in time to line-up at number ten.

Wilkinson was instrumental in England's opening-day victory over Scotland at Murrayfield and he would be replaced by veteran Mike Catt if the mercurial half-back fails to recover in time.

Ireland welcome back their own inspirational figure-head Brian O'Driscoll for the visit of England to the Gaelic football stadium in Dublin – the first time O'Driscoll will have appeared at the famous old ground.

Experienced scrum-half Peter Stringer is also fit enough to play, meaning Isaac Boss loses out and must make do with a place among the replacements.

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