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Ken Borland


Brown ruled out of Test series 0

Posted on June 11, 2012 by Ken

England fullback Mike Brown has been ruled out of the Test series against South Africa with a fractured thumb and will be replaced by Bath’s Nick Abendanon, team management confirmed on Monday.

Abendanon has already joined up with the squad ahead of the second Test against the Springboks on Saturday in Johannesburg, where he attended the weekend wedding of Bath team-mate Pieter Dixon.

The 25-year-old Abendanon was born in Johannesburg and made his Test debut in nearby Pretoria against the Springboks in 2007. He earned his second and last Test cap against France at Twickenham later that year.

Harlequins star Brown will return home for an operation on his thumb.

England’s backline will have to be further shuffled for the second Test after Brad Barritt, another South African-born player, underwent a minor operation at the weekend for a lacerated eyeball.

“Barritt won’t figure in this week’s games, but will join us in Johannesburg later this week,” England media manager Dave Barton told Reuters on Monday.

The 25-year-old Barritt has remained in Durban, where he was resident when he began his professional career with the Natal Sharks, because he is not yet able to fly.

Abendanon took a full part in training on Monday and will come into contention for selection for the team to play the Southern Barbarians in Kimberley on Wednesday. That team will be announced later on Monday.

South Africa staged a second-half rally to beat England 22-17 in the first Test in Durban last weekend, with tries scored by flyhalf Morne Steyn and centre and new captain Jean de Villiers, although the tourists were outdone up front by the Springbok pack.

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Category Rugby, Sport

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    Mark 16:15 – “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to all creation’.”

    We need to be witnesses for Christ, we need to be unashamed of our faith in Jesus. But sometimes we hesitate to confess our faith in Jesus before the world because of suggestions that religion is taboo in polite company or people are put off by those who are aggressively enthusiastic about their beliefs.

    “It is, however, important to know when to speak and when to be quiet. There is one sure way to testify to your faith without offending other people, and that is to follow the example of Jesus. His whole life was a testimony of commitment to his duty; sympathy, mercy and love for all people, regardless of their rank or circumstances. This is the very best way to be a witness for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

    “Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you so that others will see Christ in everything you do and say. In this way you will fulfill the command of the Lord.” – A Shelter From The Storm by Solly Ozrovech



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