World Cup News:England coach Brian Ashton must wonder what other torments can befall him during this World Cup.
Having watched his team under-perform against the USA, get beaten 36-0 by South Africa, lose his two first-choice outhalves, a centre, his fullback and have his captain suspended for two games, he probably thought lady luck might bestow a favour.
Instead the latest ignominy occurred when three players were left behind at the team hotel as the squad headed for training in Versailles. On arrival it was discovered Jonny Wilkinson, Olly Barkley and Nick Easter weren't on the bus so it had to return to collect them.
Slightly better news ensued in that Wilkinson will be available for Saturday's game against Samoa, while Barkley should also be fit. Jamie Noon's knee injury means he'll be going home, with Newcastle's Toby Flood due to join the squad along with prop Stuart Turner, who'll act as cover for England's remaining three props, with captain Phil Vickery still suspended.
Ashton admitted: "We had a big problem last week with goal-kicking, and we don't want to be in that situation again. Toby Flood covers two positions as well. But it was a goal-kicking issue more than anything.
"We are continuing to work as hard as we can. We had two meetings Saturday afternoon with the whole team and we talked about a whole variety of things . . . We have got to play two games in the next two weeks. It is a simple fact; two games, two wins, full stop."
Robinson confirmed his damaged hamstring is not as bad as first feared and he expects to be available for the final pool outing against Tonga, although he misses the Samoan match. England will announce their team for the latter game today.
Scrumhalf Alessandro Troncon will win his 100th Italy cap in their World Cup Pool C match against Portugal at the Parc des Princes in Paris tomorrow. Troncon is one of eight changes from the starting line-up against Romania.
ITALY (v Portugal): D Bortolussi; P Canavosio, G Canale, A Masi, M Pratichetti; R De Marigny, A Troncon; A Lo Cicero, L Ghiraldini, M Castrogiovanni, C Del Fava, M Bortolami (capt), S Parisse, Ma Bergamasco, M Vosowai. Replacements: F Ongaro, M Aguero, S Perugini, V Bernabo, S Orlando, P Griffen, E Galon.
