Lion aims to maul Pumas

England captain and former Lions tourist is still targetting a return for the World Cup opener against Argentina on September 10. [more]

Lion aims to maul Pumas

England captain and former Lions tourist is still targetting a return for the World Cup opener against Argentina on September 10.

The flanker has been plagued by injuries this year and has played just 62 minutes of Test rugby during 2011.

Moody is one of several England players to travel to New Zealand with an injury but he is confident of returning in time to face the Pumas.

"Everyone has been very confident and I am happy at how it has gone," said Moody.

"The target is still next week and playing against Argentina.

"The most important thing is that the medics and the physios are happy with me and they are not going to risk me if it is not right and I go in and knacker it again."

Elsewhere there are still some concerns over Ben Youngs who missed the entire warm-up schedule after undergoing knee surgery.

Mark Cueto and Mike Tindall have minor niggles following last weekend's 20-9 victory over Ireland while Tom Wood and Nick Easter both missed the clash as a precaution.

But Lions legend Martin Johnson, now head coach of England, is confident he will have a fully fit squad at his disposal in time for the big kick-off.

"Injury-wise they are all progressing well. We expect them all to be fit to train fully at the latest on Monday when we are in Dunedin," said Johnson.

"Simon Shaw got here this morning and he looks very well. They are all okay. We're pretty confident everyone will be fit to train."

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