Rugby Union: Eales injury worry before England game

AUSTRALIA suffered an injury scare yesterday when captain John Eales was forced to undergo treatment on a damaged wrist just one week before the international against England.

Wallaby coach Rod Macqueen has summoned reserve second-row forward John Welborn as cover in case the towering lock doesn't recover for the 6 June match in Brisbane.

"Obviously there is a concern because we have flown a player in but we do hope it's nothing more than a precaution," Macqueen said.

Clive Woodward, the England coach, will give his players a day off today, a clear suggestion that the build up is running smoothly, even though the tourists are rank outsiders to upset Australia.

England tourist Josh Lewsey yesterday turned his back on relegated Bristol and will demand a formal apology from the fallen West Country giants over an alleged breach of contract.

Furious Lewsey, who is set to join either Sale or Wasps next season, quit the Memorial Ground with a parting blast. "It doesn't require a rocket scientist to work out that I am not going back there," he said.

Lewsey's blazing counter-offensive came after claims Bristol demanded he pay back around pounds 1000 in university bursary fees, and had withheld his four-figure May pay cheque.