Rugby story by Fred Smith, Fri, 27 Jan 2006 19:36:00 GMT


LONDON- England coach Andy Robinson expressed his frustration at the prospect of losing some key players ahead of the RBS Six Nations tournament that gets underway with England taking on Wales in the opener at Twickenham.

"It's disappointing," said Robinson. "We've had to adapt our training and the way we're working. Players are on a world stage and want to perform at their very best. For that to happen, it's all about the right preparation. In the autumn we were spot on."

Robinson has already had to reconcile to the fact that some key midfield players like fly-half Olly Barkley will not be available for at least the first three games. The Bath player dislocated a thumb during Bath's loss to Leinster in the Heineken Cup on Sunday. "We feel for Olly especially as he was in contention to start against Wales," Robinson said.

Phil Vickery has also been consigned to the injured list since he is having a back operation on Saturday. A protruding disc is impinging on a nerve and the surgery intends to relieve this pressure, "In view of the fact he has had previous surgery in this area, his recovery and rehabilitation will be carefully monitored by his specialist and the Gloucester and England medical teams," Dean Ryan, head coach at Gloucester said. "He faces three months' rehabilitation from the operation, and there is obviously a great likelihood it will disrupt the rest of his season." Robinson has been dealt a further blow since some players at playing Premiership games this weekend.

However, there are no such worries for his Wales counterpart, Mike Ruddock, who is already facing injuries to six front runners. Ruddock said that in view of the injuries, players who have been selected will not be involved in games at the weekend, "That's the mindset down in Wales, and all the more so given the injuries we've had. So the players will be withdrawn from games this weekend. That's to give us the best possible chance," he said.

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