England winger Josh Lewsey has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup final clash with South Africa, to whom England lost 36-0 in their first game of the competition. Lewsey, the only player to score a try in the semi-final game against France, received a grade 1 hamstring injury and is unable to play in what would be his second successive World Cup final.
It was on Saturday 13th October that Lewsey tore his hamstring as he received a switch pass in the 14-9 semi-final defeat of hosts France at the Stade de France. The win saw England progress to the final, but in light of the news of his injured hamstring, they enter the final without their winger. All is not lost though, as England still have wingers Jason Robinson and promising newcomer Paul Sackey to aid England in their quest for world cup glory...again!
It has been reported that Bath winger Nick Abendanon has been called up to replace the winger. He was told to bring his boots and gumshield to the England training camp in the case that England find themselves in need of another winger. However, it is undoubtedly a great shame that Lewsey must miss out on one of the most important games in the sport.