Catt's rib injury causes anxieties for England
November 29, 2000

Centre Mike Catt missed training on Wednesday in a bid to recover from sore ribs he suffered in last Saturday's 19-0 win over Argentina as England continued their preparations for Saturday's Test against South Africa at Twickenham.

The 29-year-old South Africa-born back's problems were increased as he was also suffering from a stomach bug, which forced him to miss the session.

England manager Clive Woodward revealed for the first time on Wednesday
that Catt was also suffering from sore ribs."I would like to confirm that Mike did not take part in training today,"
Woodward said."He has sore ribs, which have been compounded by an upset stomach. We will give him a final fitness test on Friday morning," he added.

England have a ready-made deputy if Catt, who has won 48 caps since making
his debut against Wales in 1994, does not make Saturday's clash.

The experienced Will Greenwood, an impressive second-half substitute for
Mike Tindall in the Argentina match last weekend, would be the obvious choice.

Greenwood, who was part of the victorious British Lions squad that toured South Africa in 1997, has been in outstanding form all season but has so far failed to make England's starting line-up this season.

Woodward is fortunate that Greenwood's best position is inside centre, and
it is hard to imagine the team being at all weakened if Catt has to pull out.

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