KYRAN BRACKEN was handed a World Cup lifeline this week after he was recalled to the England side after a nine-month absence to face Wales in the RBS Six Nations clash at Cardiff on Saturday (February 22).

The 31-year-old scrum-half's hopes of making the cut for Australia were left hanging by a thread after a spate of injuries, and an early season malaise, saw him fall behind Matt Dawson and Andy Gomarsall in England coach Clive Woodward's pecking order. But a calf injury to the Northampton number nine, and an indifferent display from Gomarsall at Twickenham against the French on Saturday, has seen Bracken jump to the front of the queue.

"To be honest, I was hoping I would get another chance, whether that was because someone had lost form or got injured, but I didn't think the chance would come this week," admitted Bracken, who makes his first appearance since the 45-9 victory over Italy in April.

Should Bracken grasp the opportunity with both hands, he looks on course to book his place on the plane Down Under for what he believes will be his swansong on the intenational stage.

"I am coming towards the end of my international career and I'd say there are a lot of players who will not be looking beyond the World Cup. I'd never say no to playing for England but I can't imagine the selectors will be looking at players in their 30's for the next one."

For the full story, as well as the chance to read what Saracens MD Tim Lawler thinks of the Six Nations so far, see this week's The Watford Observer.