Robinson pushes claim for place

Chris Jones13 April 2012

Leicester's Austin Healey has retained his spot in the England team to face Italy at Twickenham on Saturday but his place is under threat from former Great Britain Rugby League star Jason Robinson.

Healey replaced the injured Dan Luger for the win over Wales and team manager Clive Woodward has opted to stick with him for what should be an easy home win against Italy.

However, by giving Robinson, who left Wigan this season to switch to rugby union with Sale, a place on the bench, Woodward has indicated that the former league star has jumped up the rankings.

Woodward, as Standard Sport revealed yesterday, watched Robinson against Saracens on Sunday after he was informed that Luger's neck injury is more serious than thought. Understandably, Woodward has stuck with the rest of the England team that demolished Wales but he has made significant changes on the replacements bench.

Out go Sarries prop Julian White and full-back Matt Perry. They are replaced by Robinson, Kyran Bracken and Joe Worsley. Robinson has played just 10 matches for Sale this season since switching codes and will create rugby history if he wins a first cap against Italy.

He was born and bred to play rugby league, had a short and unsuccessful attempt at Union with Bath before returning to Wigan and further glory.

Robinson won 12 Great Britain caps and the 26-year-old also collected seven caps for the England Rugby League side. He also played for Hunslet before Wigan snapped him up.

His conversion and imminent international appearance for England at Twickenham will act as a beacon for other league stars who want to earn more money in the union game.

Robinson is on a reported £1 million four-year deal with Sale and this chance to impress with England opens up the possibility of selection for the Lions tour to Australia in the summer.

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