England star in line for selection despite injury concerns
Injured England lock Maro Itoje is “definitely” in contention to line up against Wales in this week’s Six Nations clash according to England defence coach John Mitchell.
The revelation comes after the 30-test second rower was initially expected to sit out the remainder of the Six Nations due to ligament damage suffered in his knee during England’s February 2 win over Ireland in Dublin.
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However, he has recovered quicker than anticipated, with Mitchell saying he joins the previously injured Chris Ashton and Dylan Hartley, who are both in contention to be selected for the final three matches of the Six Nations.
“Ashton will probably be back Italy week,” Mitchell told Sky Sports.
“He has just got a slight calf strain. It just got a bit tight last week.
“Otherwise everyone is pretty good. Dylan [Hartley] is back at his club rehabbing and Maro is day by day and progressing nicely.”
With Ashton confirmed to be absent from this weekend’s blockbuster clash between the tournament’s only two undefeated nations, Jack Nowell has emerged as a prime candidate to fill his spot, although Mitchell alluded to other contenders being in the selection frame.
“Nowell is pretty handy. His first performance was very good. He is very good in the air and he has got a huge work rate,” he said.
“But then there is Joe Cokanasiga and we have got Ollie Thorley, who is a longshot but is really, really improving his skillset and is extremely physical.”
Cokanasiga pleased Mitchell in his try-scoring return from a two-month knee ligament injury during Newcastle’s loss to Bath on Saturday.
“That was pleasing for Joe, given his long-term injury,” Mitchell said.
“Being with us, you can do all the conditioning you like but at the end of the day you have got to play.
“I think wingers are like football strikers – you have got to score tries and that brings confidence. So getting through the game and scoring [was good for him].”
Despite his extended absence from the game, Mitchell made it clear the two-test Fijian-born 21-year-old is still a firm favourite within the national set-up.
“He has got such raw strength and acceleration. He is really coachable. He is really enjoyable to coach as well and he looks like he enjoys training which are all pleasing aspects.
“It is ultimately up to ourselves and himself to get him in a state where he is totally confident at this level again.”
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Comments on RugbyPass
Kinda strange that he wasn’t with a premiership team or a higher level of rugby? Start playing late or something? With that kind of size and athleticism you’d think someone would have picked him up?
2 Go to commentsShows how much attitude matters. Last week the Brumbies got done, this week they dominated the tournament leaders, who were likely thinking they could cruise to victory.
4 Go to commentsA Turtle has more pace and leg drive than Owen Franks, so it’s a good thing he only had to run 90 metres for that try.
2 Go to commentsOh Tamati Tua was in the vastly over-rated Leon MacDonalds Blues system? Well, no wonder he was wasted, much like Emoni Narawa and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens under MacDonald. now look at them. Good thing Tua isn’t eligible, the Aussies latch on to any player who isn’t tied down.
4 Go to commentsMark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
10 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
4 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
4 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
2 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
2 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to comments