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Robinson focused on Scotland
21 February 2006, 8:34 am
England boss Andy Robinson has distanced himself from the possibility of Grand Slam success in this season's RBS 6 Nations Championship, declaring: "Scotland are our only focus at present."
The world champions will head to Edinburgh as the solitary remaining unbeaten contender for RBS 6 Nations silverware.

Pre-tournament favourites France and defending champions Wales have already come unstuck just two rounds into the competition, meaning England will further tighten their grip if they win at Murrayfield next Saturday and make it six successive Calcutta Cup victories.

Prop Matt Stevens though, could miss the game after suffering a shoulder injury during his club Baths Premiership defeat against London Irish.

If, as looks likely, Stevens is ruled out, then Leicester tighthead Julian White would be favourite to replace him.

While Stevens continues his fitness fight, Robinson is optimistic that Wasps backs Tom Voyce and Josh Lewsey will both be available for selection.

Voyce, who started at full-back instead of shoulder injury victim Lewsey against Italy in Rome on February 11, lost teeth during Wasps 9-9 Premiership draw with Bristol on Sunday.

Tom has had dental treatment for the teeth he lost in the Bristol game, and our medical team believes he will be fit and available for selection, said head coach Robinson.

It is good to see Josh back with the squad, and he also looks as if he is in contention for selection as well.

If both players are fit, then Lewsey would be favourite to return in the No 15 shirt, with Voyce dropping to the bench.

Elsewhere, Robinson has called up uncapped Northampton centre Jon Clarke to his squad instead of Wasps Stuart Abbott.

Abbott limped off after just 11 minutes at Bristol suffering from severe bruising to his right lower leg, and he will remain with his club this week for treatment.

Clarke, one of the form centres in English rugby this season, performed well for England A when they defeated their Italian counterparts two weeks ago.

England are averaging 38 points a time against the Scots since their Grand Slam hopes were derailed by Duncan Hodge six years ago, but Frank Haddens arrival in the coaching hot-seat has sparked a revival north of the border.

Scotland are in our sights, and that is our main and only focus at present, added Robinson.

We understand the improvements Scotland have made. England lost there (Murrayfield) in 2000, and we know how dangerous Scotland are, but we are fully prepared and I am looking forward to this next challenge.

They (Scotland) are performing with some confidence now, and at the moment, we are the only team to win away from home in the championship.

This shows the strength of our team, but Scotland are a good side if you allow them to play.

We have full respect for the coaching team they have in place, and also for the way they are trying to play the game.


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