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England injury crisis: The 8 frontline players Eddie Jones is missing
By PA
England’s build up to the Guinness Six Nations has been heavily disrupted by a series of injuries. Here the PA news agency examines the players in the treatment room.
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Owen Farrell – centre
England’s captain has been ruled out of the entire tournament by surgery to his right ankle just days after completing his comeback from an operation to the same joint on his left leg. Faces eight to 10 weeks of rehabilitation.
Jonny May – wing
Set to follow Farrell in being unable to take any part in the Six Nations with an ongoing knee problem almost certain to need surgery. The prolific wing has been a key part of the backline for the last four years.
Anthony Watson – wing
Hoping to return in the latter stage of the season after needing surgery on a ruptured ACL in October. A class act and definite starter on the wing when fit, but has been hampered by a string of long-term injuries.
Manu Tuilagi – centre
Still waiting to make his comeback from the torn hamstring he suffered while scoring the opening try in the autumn victory over South Africa. Sale say his return is imminent and he will be given a string of club games before being considered by England.
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Henry Slade – centre
Still in contention for the opener against Scotland on February 5 but has been unable to train this week because of what Eddie Jones describes as bumps and bruises from Exeter duty on Sunday. England can not afford to lose another centre.
Joe Marler – prop
For the second time in less than three months England’s influential loosehead has caught coronavirus and has returned home to self-isolate. Jones says he is showing no symptoms and is confident he can resume training next week.
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Jonny Hill – second row
Rated by Jones as “touch and go” for Murrayfield after damaging his foot playing for Exeter. His protective boot was removed this week and after showing his best Test form yet in the autumn, he has emerged as an important figure in the tight five.
Courtney Lawes – flanker
Deputised for Farrell as captain in the autumn and was outstanding in the role. At 32-years-old, he is playing the best rugby of his career but he can not train this week because of concussion sustained for Northampton against Ulster on January 16.
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Ominous for Italy. I reckon the All Blacks have got their timing spot on for this world cup. Hard to see them not make the final and I suspect they'll make it four take homes of the Webb-Ellis trophy.
Go to commentsWith what he has said, he needs to be held account able for, to be held up to the same standard as every other coach, but I can't see how anyone would think that anything that comes out of his mouth is worth listening to or is to be taken seriously. Anyone who read this would have to look back at their interactions with Eddie and perceive them in new light. I can't help but feel that he's like one those high profile celebrities that go down, that what we see as the on-TV-coach persona is really now how Eddie treats everybody. He's basically a conman. The shameful thing is the way he does it, how he thinks he's too good for the people downunder, how he ruthlessly blames his players and their leadership for not being able to hang in there in games. How his ideas are too good for the home of running rugby, q I would say show some humility Eddie, to the people in the game, to the fans, to rugby, and you can still save it, but we can see here that after last week he has doubled down. There is no chance of a eureka moment of realization dawning on him.
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