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Simpson-Daniel still down on his luck

No action for 'Sinbad' in Oz

Gloucester wing James Simpson-Daniel is out of England's Australia tour. Simpson-Daniel had been due to start when England tackle the Wallabies at Telstra Stadium on Sunday, but he was admitted to hospital in Sydney earlier this week.

Leicester speedster Tom Varndell took Simpson-Daniel's place, with the 24-year-old being treated for a haematoma to his leg that has required pain-killing injections. The problem flared following training.

He will though, remain with the squad, despite having no prospect of being involved in next week's second Test. England head to Melbourne on Monday.

"James won't be available for the second Test," said England head coach Andy Robinson.

"He is still in hospital, and if he doesn't need pain-killing injections today, he will be released from hospital.

"He has got a haematoma that has spread through the muscle. I went to see him yesterday, and it is pretty swollen and very painful."

Simpson-Daniel's latest injury blow is another demoralising setback for a player whose international career has previously been stalled by back trouble and glandular fever.

He has won just nine caps in four years, but a two-try performance against the Barbarians last month suggested England's short summer tour Down Under would provide a golden opportunity for him to stake an early 2007 World Cup claim.

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