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Rugby Union

Wilkinson a doubt for Ireland game

22/02/2007

Jonny Wilkinson missed training today and is now a major doubt for England's RBS Six Nations clash with Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday.

The talismanic number ten is suffering from a tight hamstring and could be forced to sit out the crucial fixture.

If he is ruled out, it would be a cruel blow for Wilkinson, who missed more than three years of international rugby with a succession of injuries.

His return against Scotland earlier this month gave fresh hope that the world champions could put their recent poor run of form behind them and have a decent stab at this autumn's Rugby World Cup.

Veteran back Mike Catt, who can play at fly-half or centre, has been called up to the squad in case Wilkinson loses his race to be fit in time for Saturday.

Coach Brian Ashton is already facing the prospect of going into the game without the experienced Jason Robinson, who picked up a shoulder injury in training yesterday.

Robinson is hoping to recover in time, but Ashton called up Harlequins wing David Strettle last night as a precaution.

England need a win to keep their hopes of winning the RBS Six Nations on course, but Ireland will be equally determined to take two points from the game after losing to France.

Defeat at the hands of Les Blues, who have now been installed as tournament favourites, was particularly bitter for Eddie O'Sullivan's side as it was the first Six Nations match to be played at Croke Park.

O'Sullivan expects to be able to recall captain Brian O'Driscoll, who missed the France game with a hamstring injury, while fellow backs Ronan O'Gara and Peter Stringer are expected to shake off niggles in time to be named in the starting XV.

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