Centre Mike Tindall and winger Iain Balshaw have both been absent in recent weeks and Ryan, when asked about their status, stated that he will leave a decision until the last possible minute but won’t risk long term fitness for short term gain.
When asked about Tindall, Ryan said: “. He’s rehabbing. He is getting better, but it will be a late call.”
“Balshaw’s probably the same as Tindall. If at all, it’ll be a late call. He’s been rehabbing for most of the week and, if either Tindall or Balshaw are accelerated in any way, then they’ve got a chance for the weekend.”
“We’ll give both players as long as possible to be available.”
And the absense of a World Cup-winning centre means Ryan says his side will go into thier pre-match routine in an un usual way. He explained: “It [Tindall’s absense] does affect preparation. With someone like Tindall, I don’t think we’ve ever been in a final or a playoff final with him.”
“He’s hugely influential to us and the merits of him dropping in on a Friday or a Saturday certainly outweigh any disruption.”
“We wouldn’t do it with everybody but certainly, for someone of Tindall’s influence, we would.”
“He’s a key decision maker in whichever side he plays, whether that be England or Gloucester. So, we’ll leave it as long as possible before we have to make that call.”
“But, we’re not going to take risks with people going into this game when we look at the magnitude of the Guinness Premiership games to come.”
