England will wait until next week before deciding whether Mike Brown, who appeared to be knocked out in the 13th minute of the 47-17 victory over Italy at Twickenham, should be considered for the potentially decisive clash against Ireland, the defending Six Nations champions, in Dublin in a fortnight.
Brown left the field on a stretcher having been treated for five minutes after his head struck the shoulder of Andrea Masi as the England full-back made a try-saving tackle that stopped his side from going 12 points down. He was not taken to hospital and joined the replacements on the bench in the second half.
Concussion is rugby’s current headline issue and the opening round of the Six Nations led to Wales reviewing their pitch-side procedures after a second blow to the head suffered by their wing George North went unspotted. He has been rested for Sunday’s match against Scotland at Murrayfield for his own safety even though he passed the return to play protocols in the week.
“It helps that we have a fortnight before our next match,” said Stuart Lancaster, the England head coach. “We have training sessions this week and Mike will not take part in any of them while he follows the protocols. We will see how he goes the following week before deciding whether to pick him for Ireland.
“I saw him after the game and he seemed fine, if a bit grumpy because he had to miss most of the game. He sustained the injury saving a try. I do not know if he was knocked out, but all the protocols will be followed before he returns to action.”
England, who have lost the Six Nations title on points difference in the past two years, recovered from another slow start to condemn Italy to a sixth successive defeat in a six-try salvo but their Lancaster appreciates that his players will not enjoy anywhere near as much space at the Aviva Stadium.Ireland themselves ground out an 18-11 victory against France in Dublin, with six kicks outweighing the only try of the match, from Romain Taofifénua.
