England's upcoming clash with Fiji is already brewing with uncertainty, as key players face injury setbacks, leaving fans on the edge of their seats!
Quilter Nations Series: England vs. Fiji
Get ready for an exciting match at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday, November 8th, with the kickoff scheduled for 17:40 GMT. You can catch all the action live on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, or follow the live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.
Wing Tom Roebuck is currently in doubt for the England vs. Fiji match due to an ankle injury sustained during training on Tuesday. His absence would be felt, considering his significant contribution to England's recent victory against Australia, where they secured a 25-7 win. Roebuck played a pivotal role in setting up two tries, showcasing his importance to the team.
Adding to the injury woes, full-back Freddie Steward is also sidelined this week due to a hand injury picked up during the Wallabies game at Twickenham. This situation presents a selection dilemma for head coach Steve Borthwick, who will announce the matchday squad on Thursday. England is aiming for their ninth consecutive victory, making every player's availability crucial.
But here's where it gets interesting... If Steward is unable to play, Marcus Smith is a strong contender to fill the full-back position, having been left out of the squad last weekend. Smith, along with Fin Smith and George Ford, forms a trio of fly-halves in the wider squad. Assistant coach Kevin Sinfield admits that keeping all three players content is a challenge.
"You don't, you don't [keep them all happy]," Sinfield admitted to BBC Sport. He acknowledges the inherent frustrations that come with competition at this level, where every player is eager for their chance to shine. However, Sinfield emphasizes the players' understanding of the team's overall goals and their willingness to work through any setbacks.
Sinfield also mentioned that Marcus Smith would be more than willing to step in at full-back, a position he has frequently played in the past two years. He highlighted that Smith recognizes the adaptability required in modern sports, where the best players often play different positions than they do for their clubs.
And this is the part most people miss... Kevin Sinfield believes that Henry Pollock's first start for England is just a matter of time. Pollock has made a few impressive appearances off the bench, including scoring two tries against Wales in March and a game-changing score against Australia.
Sinfield praises Pollock's confidence and belief in his abilities, describing him as a unique individual who brings energy and enthusiasm to the group. He notes that Pollock's accomplishments at the age of 20 are remarkable, and he is confident that Pollock will continue to improve and earn a starting spot soon.
What do you think? Will England's injury concerns affect their performance against Fiji? Do you agree with Sinfield's assessment of the fly-halves situation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
