Hill injury takes edge off Sarries' celebration

England flanker Richard Hill is to undergo a scan on the ankle injury he sustained during Saracens' 27-13 wildcard semi-final defeat by Leeds yesterday.

The inspirational back row star was helped off in the 67th minute and Sarries coach Wayne Shelford revealed that Hill was in considerable discomfort.

The injury will be unwelcome news for Clive Woodward as the England coach must soon finalise the make-up of his squad for next month's Test matches against New Zealand and Australia.

But Shelford is optimistic that Hill will be back in time for the wildcard final at Franklin's Gardens on May 31.

'Richard is very, very sore. He's hurt the same ankle which he damaged while playing for England, although it's a slightly different injury,' said Shelford.

'We don't know how bad it is - we'll just have to wait until we get it scanned.

'I don't think Richard will want to miss out on the final. We'll just see how the injury comes along - it's a light week ahead for the guys.' Saracens booked their place in the final courtesy of their superior aggregate score after two clashes with the Tykes. Leeds' victory made little impression after Saracens' 57-21 triumph in the first leg at Vicarage Road on Wednesday.

Despite overall defeat, Leeds could still be competing in the Heineken Cup next season.

If Wasps beat Bath in the Parker Pen Challenge Cup next Sunday, Phil Davies'men will take the final place in the tournament courtesy of their fifth-place Premiership finish. 'We've played 22 league games and we've finished fifth,' said Davies. 'We've had a pretty positive season for us - it would have been a bonus to reach the wildcard final but it didn't work out.'