RICHARD HILL's hopes of playing a major part in England's attempt to win the World Cup are still hanging by a thread after the influential flanker failed to shake off a hamstring injury ahead of this weekend's Quarter-Final clash with Wales.

Hill has not played since limping off after 51 minutes in the opening game against Georgia, but coach Clive Woodward insists Hill will be given more time to recover.

"We still think that he will be fit for next week if we are still here. He is just about there but not quite. It's just one of those injuries that dragged on," Woodward added.

Meanwhile, Hill's Saracens team-mate Kyran Bracken has to make do with a place on the bench after Matt Dawson was given the number nine jersey.

Robbie Russell makes an emotional return to Brisbane this weekend, as he prepares to take on his native Australia in the dark blue of Scotland.