1
{{item.n}}
England receive double injury boost ahead of 'best in the world' All Blacks
By Josh Raisey at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
England head coach Steve Borthwick has provided positive injury updates on the back three duo of Tom Roebuck and Freddie Steward, who both missed England’s 38-18 victory over Fiji on Saturday at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.
ADVERTISEMENT
Marcus Smith took over at full-back against Fiji, with Tommy Freeman moving to the wing to fill the void left by Roebuck. Both Freeman and fellow wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso appeared to be struggling at stages, however, against a Fiji side that produced plenty of shuddering hits in defence.
While Borthwick did not have any medical report after the match, he suggested England had come away unscathed against Mick Byrne’s side ahead of an enticing meeting with the All Blacks next week.
“I don’t have a medical report as yet, but nothing stands out right now from the knowledge I have,” Borthwick said.
The head coach also appeared confident that he would have both Steward and Roebuck available for selection next week against the world number two, New Zealand, after the full-back missed the match with a hand injury and the wing sustained an ankle problem in training.
“Hopefully, Tom Roebuck will be back fit this week,” he added. “Hopefully, he will be available for selection, we’ll find out early in the week.
“Fred trained at the end of the week and will be fit and available for selection next week.”
The clash with the All Blacks looks as though it will be the defining fixture of England’s Quilter Nations Series and a match where they will be looking to exact revenge after three narrow losses to them last season.
Stand-in skipper Ellis Genge looked ahead to that match, predicting a “battle of attrition” against Scott Robertson’s side.
“Can’t wait, love playing against the best in the world,” the prop said. “Obviously, it will be a battle of attrition. As years have gone by, they’ve been known for chucking the ball about, but they’ve got some big, physical lumps in there now as well. So we’ll relish that.
ADVERTISEMENT
“New Zealand are at their best at the moment, and I can’t wait to play them next week.”
