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Distraught England fans take to Twitter to lament Lawes injury
After a humbling defeat to Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, England have been dealt further bad news as Courtney Lawes will miss the rest of the Six Nations with a calf injury.
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The second-row limped off in the second half at the Principality Stadium, and looked to be in a lot of discomfort.
England fans were obviously not happy about this news, but were particularly aggrieved as Lawes was displaying some of the best form of his career before the injury.
The 30-year-old was making the second start of the Championship, after filling in for Maro Itoje, who was injured against Ireland. He was monumental against France at Twickenham, showcasing some of his crunching tackles.
He was equally as impressive in the first half against Wales, as he spearheaded a belligerent English defence that were getting on top of the Welsh attack.
It has been well documented that Lawes has put on weight in recent months, and that seems to be paying dividends. He has remained mobile around the field, whilst increasing his physicality in contact. That is why so many fans are disappointed to see him miss out, however, they are aware that the priority still remains to be fit come the World Cup at the end of the year.
https://twitter.com/paccrash/status/1099931543550771200
https://twitter.com/T4NKx/status/1099793212208807936
https://twitter.com/Stephen91314828/status/1100004382614138880
https://twitter.com/AshmanSteve/status/1099997986652860416
https://twitter.com/m28oon/status/1099796576275439616
https://twitter.com/joeypharris/status/1099771971162828801
https://twitter.com/alexshawsport/status/1099763953675186178
Written and filed before “hurry Itoje back” quotes, but only more apt now, I think. At least open it and read the six points for calling up Kpoku before dismissing it out of hand. https://t.co/a6WPXZMuQV
— Alex Shaw (@alexshawsport) February 25, 2019
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England’s resources are being tested at the moment, particularly with Itoje in absentia too. Fortunately for England fans and Eddie Jones, they still have some of the best locks in world rugby at their disposal, and this is the position that they are the most blessed in.
A lot of fans expect Joe Launchbury to step up to replace Lawes and partner George Kruis in the second-row. The Wasps captain is a different player to Lawes, but is instrumental nonetheless. He is unlucky to not start for England every game, but he will have the opportunity to prove to Jones what an asset he is.
Meanwhile, some fans are hoping that Itoje will be fit for the visits from Italy and Scotland in the final rounds of the tournament. The Saracen is close to recovery, and his return would help England’s fortunes regarding injuries. One fan has also called for Saracens and England under-20 star Joel Kpoku to get a chance against Italy after a barnstorming start to his career with the Premiership champions.
While Lawes is a huge miss for England, it is clear the fans have the confidence that he can be replaced.
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https://twitter.com/MrsKB82/status/1099774117090349058
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https://twitter.com/Ollie_Jackson89/status/1099772639143436290
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https://twitter.com/BenBradford5/status/1099770356280320000
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Comments on RugbyPass
Sly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
12 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
12 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
12 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
12 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
12 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
7 Go to comments