SYDNEY, 13 November 2003 — England’s faltering World Cup campaign was given a lift here yesterday after flanker Richard Hill and fullback Josh Lewsey were declared fit for Sunday’s World Cup semifinal against France.
A further boost came with news that utility back Iain Balshaw had also passed a fitness test, meaning England could well be at full-strength for Sunday’s collision at the Olympic Stadium.
Of the three players, it is Hill’s recovery that will be most warmly welcomed by England coach Clive Woodward.
The 61-Test blindside forward has been sidelined since England’s opening match, when he damaged a hamstring in the one-sided rout of Georgia and was replaced at half-time. England’s management had drawn a veil over the seriousness of Hill’s injury, initially naming him for the team to play South Africa on Oct. 18 before withdrawing him at the eleventh hour.
But Hill, who has never been dropped by Woodward during a six-year international career, appeared at a press conference to confirm he had fully recovered and was available to face the French.
“I am fully fit,” said the two-time British Lions tourist. “It’s been a very frustrating time for myself and ultimately longer than I expected. But I am available for selection and very much want to play at the weekend.” Though short of match fitness, Woodward is almost certain to draft Hill back into England’s line-up for Sunday’s game at the Olympic Stadium.
