Fitzpatrick withdrawal signals end of an era

All Blacks skipper Sean Fitzpatrick has withdrawn from the team to play England on Saturday - signalling the end of an era in New Zealand rugby. Fitzpatrick's failure to recover from a persistent knee injury means that Twickenham will be robbed of seeing another performance by one of the greatest players in the game.

And with Harlequins-bound Zinzan Brooke bowing out of international rugby after winning his 58th and final cap, it will be doubly emotional for the All-Blacks when they run out.

Fitzpatrick has yet to announce his retirement from the Test arena but Hart's reaction indicated the writing was on the wall.

He said: "It was a very sad moment for the All Blacks this morning when I announced Sean had withdraw from selection.

"I spoke of what Sean has achieved for New Zealand rugby and what he has done. He is the most professional rugby player ever and he has made another professional decision.

"I told them we were blessed with one of the greatest leaders in the game. All Blacks don't show much emotion but they clapped."

Brooke, who was Fitzpatrick's captain when the pair played together for Auckland, is widely regarded as the most complete forward ever.

Hart added: "We have got some personal motivations, with Zinzan and Olo Brown's 50th Test, which is a fine achievement.

"It will be an emotional game for Zinzan and (pointing at Fitzpatrick) for the guy on my right."

Brooke, who will be making his 100th appearance in an All Blacks jersey, has already announced that this trip would signal the end of his New Zealand career - the number eight joins Quins next summer after taking an extended break from the game after Saturday's Test.

John Bentley has been denied the challenge of tackling All Blacks' winger Jonah Lomu after being dropped by England for Saturday's Test against New Zealand at Twickenham.

Bentley would have suspected bad news was in store for him after being subbed during last weekend's defeat by South Africa in England's bruising run of contests against the Southern Hemisphere's Big Three.

England's replacement right wing will not be known until tomorrow as the selectors wrestle with inevitable injury problems.

Facing Lomu could be David Rees, Austin Healey or even Newcastle full-back Tim Stimpson, who was drafted into the squad today after recovering from a hip injury that prevented his selection for the three Tests last month.

Manager Roger Uttley said: "The current intention is for Stimpson to sit on the bench."

But the rapidly changing nature of England's squads during the last three weeks means that Saturday's XV is still a lottery.

"Phil de Glanville is sure to be fit to come back for Nick Greenstock, who replaced him against South Africa last Saturday," added Uttley.

"Nick received a serious shoulder dislocation in training yesterday and will be out for six weeks."

Captain Lawrence Dallaglio, while he must be frustrated at still not knowing what his team will be, believes the batterings that England have been given by Australia, New Zealand and South Africa - one draw and two defeats in November - is worthwhile.

He said: "Despite losing it is a beneficial but painful process. We are trying to operate in the first division of world rugby having been at the top of the second division for some time."

Scotland's fit-again skipper Rob Wainwright last night declared his men were ready to put the heart back into Scottish rugby when world champions South Africa come to Murrayfield on Saturday.

The Lions flanker's inspirational presence is a major boost to a side still reeling from the combined effects of a demoralising defeat to Australia and a string of injuries to key personnel.

His restoration to the captaincy in place of Bath scrum half Andy Nicol was perhaps the most significant change in the team.

Also back in the side are wing pair Craig Joiner and Derek Stark, full-back Rowen Shepherd and Craig Chalmers - the latter attempting to fill the boots of the injured Alan Tait in the centre.

A hamstring injury to young Glasgow flyer James Craig gives Joiner the opportunity to resume his international career, while Kenny Logan's shock omission has allowed the consistent Stark another chance.

Despite their series loss to the Lions in the summer, South Africa have recovered their self-esteem in style under new coach Nick Mallett, with a 52-10 crushing of France in the Parc des Princes and last weekend's second half destruction of England at Twickenham ample testament to their current state of health.

Despite the prophets of doom, Wainwright remains optimistic that his side can give the Boks a run for their money.