Lewis Moody may miss All Blacks test
Lewis Moody is unlikely to play in England’s first match of the Autumn Internationals against New Zealand on 6 November.
The England captain is expected to be out for at least four weeks after suffering a severe bruising to his eye during a Premier League match between Bath and Gloucester.
The incident took place when Moody collided badly with the Gloucester full-back Charlie Sharples. The Bath flanker received treatment on the pitch in the early moments of the second half before he was stretchered off.
Stephen Meehan, the Bath coach, said, “He took a serious knock. We will, of course, make sure he receives the best attention to get him back on the field...when he's ready."
His team struggled without his leadership, and went down 18-3 in the game with Gloucester. The player will be a big miss for the club, particularly in the Heineken Cup opener with Biarritz and in their second round game against Aironi.
Bath signed Moody from Leicester earlier this year, and the forward has only played five times for his club. His injury may see him miss his return to Welford Road in a league game against Leicester.
“He was just getting used to the Bath style of play, and it's equally frustrating for the rest of us to lose him at this stage in the season,” added Meehan.
“The only good news is [that] it gives an opportunity for someone else to step up and fill the hole.”
England coach Martin Johnson is also likely to miss the 32-year-old who was named as captain of the team after Steve Borthwick was dropped from the side in July.
Moody was the last captain since Johnson to beat Australia on their home ground. He has since established himself as the England captain.
Moody will be desperate to play against the All Blacks in Twickenham, and to continue the rebuilding process under Johnson.
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