Injury concern for Borthwick

Venter pays tribute to heroic effort from England skipper

Last updated: 19th September 2009  

Injury concern for Borthwick

Borthwick: Injury worry

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Saracens director of rugby Brendan Venter paid tribute to Steve Borthwick after the England captain played through the pain to help his side to 22-9 victory over Harlequins.

Borthwick refused to be taken off despite suffering a suspected broken rib which if confirmed could make him doubtful for the autumn internationals.

"Steve is a little bit of a worry for us," he said. "He will have a scan tomorrow and we will see how his rib is.

"He is just so courageous. He hurt his rib but he stayed on the field for which I am massively thankful.

"He is playing really well, which is fantastic for England. He is a serious world-class international lock.

"It would be a blow (if it turns out to be a broken rib) but we will deal with that if it comes.

"It is very hard for a coach to set a standard and a culture if you don't have a captain like that.

"If you talk about a disciplined, honest, hard-working individual then Steve Borthwick fits that bill 100%. I have been very blessed to have a captain like that.

"In our first two games this season Steve had the most contributions and the second most contributions. We measure everything - tackles, ball carries, his rucking, his defensive play - and he is right at the top of our team."

Sarries 'worthy winners'

England also have concerns over Jordan Turner-Hall, who will undergo x-rays on a shoulder injury, and Quins team-mate David Strettle, who has a foot problem.

Head coach John Kingston paid tribute to Sarries after they ran away with it in the second half.

"We should have been six or nine points ahead at half-time but they defended very well," he said.

"Just before half-time I sensed there was an element of frustration coming into our game and that never seemed to leave our game and we became more frantic.

"The try they scored changed the game because when they get in front they are very hard to play against. They play a certain way and they kick the ball a hell of a lot.

"It was not as if we didn't know what was coming. They executed it well, we didn't deal with it and they ended up worthy winners."