Rob Andrew has called for common sense regarding the Lions rest period debate.
Newcastle director of rugby has called for common sense from those at the top table in English rugby union.Arguments continue to rumble over the fitness of the players that represented the British and Irish Lions this summer, resulting with several Premiership clubs going against RFU directions.
The rugby union governing body has called for an eleven-week recuperation time for the Lions, during which they can only play 40 minutes per game for their club side.
However, whilst Andrew adhered by only playing Jonny Wilkinson in the second half against Sale, the opening weekend of the season saw the full inclusion by other clubs of the likes of Charlie Hodgson, Jason Robinson and Martin Corry.
Former England international and Lion Andrew insisted that the matter should come down to the individual case of each player.
"Sometimes we get our knickers in a twist about counting minutes and counting games, instead of actually looking at how a player is and how he feels, not just physically but mentally as well,‚Ç¥ said Andrew.
"Instead of just saying, `Is Martin Corry happy to play for Leicester? Does he feel good? Then let him play' or `Does Jason Robinson want to play for Sale?'
"We took a decision about Jonny because he has not played any of our pre-season games, yet he needs to play desperately, but we felt 40 minutes was right for him on Friday."
The Falcons coach, who saw his side miss out by a point against Sale on Friday, believes that the RFU should trust the club doctors to treat their players sensibly, and the ex-flyhalf used England's success at the last World Cup as an example.
"I do not know what all the fuss is about. There are many internationals played, there always have been and there always will be.
"The build-up to the 2007 World Cup is going to be no different to the 2003 World Cup.
"England had a great run-in then, played a lot of matches, went to New Zealand and Australia the summer before, when they beat them both, and they had a good run with injuries - all their top players were fit and available for the World Cup and we have got to hope that will be the same for 2007."
