Eddie Jones Suffers Late Injury Scare Ahead Of France Clash

Eddie Jones looks set to be short of options in the second-row for England’s Six Nations opener.

The England boss is currently missing a number of players for the clash including back-row Chris Robshaw, who is set to be replaced at six by Saracens lock Maro Itoje for the crucial opening clash.

Itoje’s teammate George Kruis, who only just returned from injury, is now a doubt for the clash, leaving Jones very light in that department. Kruis ill be examined on Wednesday to gauge his fitness for the Twickenham contest.

If head coach Eddie Jones persists with his plan to field the 22-year-old Itoje on the flank, Courtney Lawes and Joe Launchbury will pair up in the second row if Kruis is unavailable. As it stands this is Jones’ updated squad for the opener.

Forwards: D Cole (Leicester), E Genge (Leicester), J George (Saracens), T Harrison (Northampton), D Hartley (Northampton), J Haskell (Wasps), N Hughes (Wasps), M Itoje (Saracens), G Kruis (Saracens), J Launchbury (Wasps), C Lawes (Northampton), J Marler (Harlequins), M Mullan (Wasps), K Sinckler (Harlequins), T Wood (Northampton)

Backs: M Brown (Harlequins), D Care (Harlequins), E Daly (Wasps), O Farrell (Saracens), G Ford (Bath), J Joseph (Bath), J May (Gloucester), J Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), B Te’o (Worcester Warriors), B Youngs (Leicester)