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Still down, now out England drops injured Bracken, Rees from WC lineup
Posted: Thursday October 14, 1999 07:57 PM
LONDON (AP) -- England's No. 1 choice scrumhalf Kyran Bracken and winger David Rees were cut from the England World Cup squad Thursday after failing to recover from injuries. With just over a week until England opens its World Cup campaign against Italy at Twickenham, coach Clive Woodward decided to replace both players. “Sadly, neither player can now be considered for the Rugby World Cup,” said Woodward. Bracken, who has a long-term back injury, and Rees, who picked up a groin injury last week, were replaced in the 30-man squad by Leicester winger Leon Lloyd and Wasps scrumhal Martyn Wood. Desperate to recover, Bracken had approached faith healer Eileen Drewery -- whose connection with former England soccer manager Glenn Hoddle and the English soccer team attracted scathing media headlines -- when conventional therapy failed. “I'm obviously disappointed that I haven't been able to recover in time for the World Cup and I respect the fact that [Woodward] had a deadline,” said Bracken. Despite a continual duel with Lions halfback Matt Dawson for a lace in the starting lineup, a fully fit Bracken was expected to Woodward's first pick. Bracken hasn't played an international since England's Centenary Test loss to Australia in June but was retained in the world cup squad to allow him extra time to recover. Austin Healey, who was included in the squad primarily as a winger but alsoas a back-up scrumhalf, becomes No. 2 choice behind Dawson for the No. 9 jersey. England, joint third favorite to win the tournament, is in Pool
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