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Video: Farrell reacts to latest Tuilagi injury, as England forced to make change for Boks

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Chris Ashton has been named as a late replacement for England’s first November Test against South Africa after the injury-prone Manu Tuilagi was ruled out.

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Ashton was initially omitted for Saturday’s showdown at Twickenham, but the wing could yet win his first cap for four years from the bench.

Centre Tuilagi will not feature against the Springboks due to a groin injury.

The Leicester Tigers powerhouse has been beset by injury problems and will have to wait for a first Test appearance in over two years.

Ashton scored a hat-trick on his Sale Sharks debut in a European Challenge Cup win over Connacht.

The flyer returned to his homeland to put himself back in contention for an international call-up after one outstanding season with Toulon.

England co-captain Owen Farrell said that centre “seemed in high enough spirits” despite the latest setback.

“I don’t think it is anything too serious, but obviously with his history, probably not one to risk.”

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Watch: Elliot Daly and England scrum coach Neal Hatley speak before South Africa game

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Phantom 1 hour ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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