Cover: Will Fraser
Saracens and Saxons flank Will Fraser has been called up to the England squad as injury cover for Ben Morgan.
Morgan damaged his ankle in the 38-18 win over Scotland on Saturday, with a verdict on his fitness for the coming weekend's fixture against Ireland in Dublin due on Tuesday.
Stuart Lancaster told BBC 5 Live that England would in all likelihood move flanker Tom Wood into the number eight slot, with Wasps back-row forward James Haskell coming in at blindside flanker. Another Wasps player, number eight Billy Vunipola, is also in contention.
"Will Fraser of Saracens will join squad as cover for Morgan, Lancaster was impressed with his performances in both Saxons games," said the RFU on Twitter.
"Lancaster says Ben Morgan's ankle is "still in a boot", likely prognosis is No.8 will struggle to make Ireland v England. Definitive news tomorrow."
Meanwhile, England have been handed a boost with the news that outside centre Manu Tuilagi is available for this weekend's clash with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
"The last message we had about Manu was that he's fit and available to train. He's coming in this afternoon. He's available for Sunday," Lancaster said.
Comments
APV1 says...
@ TVaddict - fair points. I'd happily see BB and 36 start, with MT on the bench, if that's the way SL goes, although I'd prefer it 36 & MT.
So if we agree that from our forwards we need:
1. Solid scrum - we have that. Even Marler seems to be getting there.
2. Excellent line-out - one word: Parling.
3. Scavengers to turn-over ball - Cole, Launch and all 3 of the BR.
4. Line-breakers - Launch & Wood.
I think we just need to think who we've got and how to use them to the best of their abilities and to compliment those around.
Ireland will be very, very tough but I think we might have enough to win. Even across the water.
Posted 15:01 05th February 2013
TVaddict says...
@APV1
My problem with Tuilagi is that he's been out for four weeks so he might not be match fit. You don't want to play someone who is not match fit against BOD! I think 36 & Barritt should start, with Tuilagi coming on with Vunipola at 60 mins to make some real impact!
Although I would go for a backrow of 6) Haskell, 7) Robshaw, 8) Wood, I wouldn't say it is very balanced. It's fantastic defensively and in terms of breakdown work, as you said they have all played all three positions. However without Morgan we lack a solid linebreaker in the forwards, so thinking of the future we need a Morgan/Vunipola type of player in our backrow.
Posted 12:33 05th February 2013
APV1 says...
@ benski - Hear! Hear!
And anyone who's seen 36 play knows he not a weak defensive link. In fact, one could argue that Barritt and 36 make a better defensive partnership.
But it's 36 and Tuilagi for me, with BB on the bench.
With regards to the BR, I don't think it makes too much difference which number is on their back. As I've said before, Richard Hill (the best back-row player of all time - that's right, better than King Rich-Tea) stated that it was the combo of skills that made him, backy and Delally so good:
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,,16017_6971148,00.html
As long as the roles are fulfilled, who cares? In fact, haven't all three - Haskell, Robshaw & Wood - all played at 6, 7 & 8?
Posted 11:34 05th February 2013
roddyo says...
Thats cos he learnt his rugby in Wales. Great to see Will Fraser in the squad. Thoroughly deserved
Posted 11:14 05th February 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
I'm betting that unlike Mr Telfer the Irish will not give England any additional motivation to play well this Sunday. Mind you, I wouldn't put it past the Media to latch onto a single sentence and turn it into an anti-english headline. I think the Irish press officer will be keen to labour that point to any interveiwees. For me, Ireland had the best attack of the first round. their attacking plays were majestic at times, you could tell they came from hours of running the same plays on the training ground. Lots of pace and guile. England were also scary at times but they need to reign back the headless chicken stuff. England's attack was more heads up and spontaineous and when the players were on the same page it was undefendable but when they lost the plot it was a mess. The second Scotland try was down to sloppy and shapless England offloading to nobody in particular. Ireland will happily take gifts like that just as easily as the Scots did. England should be out running lines of support for a couple of hours everyday. I like the direction they are heading in though.
Oh, and lets have a Farrel, Twelvetrees and Tuilagi midfield please. Ireland will not give Billy the same space unless they're forced to have one eye on Manu too. Barritt is easy to contain. F-T-T is the future.
Posted 10:59 05th February 2013
bullitt says...
All these calls for Foden are understandable considering we're stuck with Strettle in the team, however one look at Fodens recent form will explain why he's not had a call up.
Posted 10:31 05th February 2013
ArmchairGeneral says...
I think Haskell is wrong for Ireland. Ireland have beaten England in the past with their choke tackle. Tall top heavy ball carriers is what they love. Shame Fourie and Armitage aren't options. Looking at what we've got... It's a challenge. Maybe a day for Kvesic if he can get low with his carries. That would mean Robshaw to 8 who also has a lower centre of gravity. That's my selection for Ireland. With Wood 6.
Posted 10:28 05th February 2013
benski says...
@stumpy.... Bench Twelvetrees!! are you MAD! Tuilagi and 12trees would make the best center combination for England that they have had in years. Twelvetrees is far far superior to Barrit as I have been saying for ages.
Posted 07:06 05th February 2013
PatrickH says...
I'd like to see him play.
Heaslip needs to prove himself for that Lions spot.
Posted 22:20 04th February 2013
melkdave says...
I does look klike Morgon isnt going to make the trip to Dublin,which is a shame as he was in great form,carrying the ball well, offloading and making big yards .So England have a bit of a problem ,as Haskell isnt really a fantastic ball carrier,but more a tackle /turnover type player,same as Robshaw,though both can carry well.Nice to see the introduction of Fraser training with the EPS,he has been in fine form recently ,and imo,is similar to S.Armitage,he can tackle /turnover ,but he can also carry powerfully,and has pace.I think he may make the bench to be honest against Ireland,with Haskell starting.Another option is of course B.Vanipola whos also in form ,but i think he will stay with the saxons at present Also good to see M.Tulangi back, and ready to resume training,i think quite a few of us fans would love to see him partnered with 36 this weekend ,question is will he be 100%,if not why risk him starting and stay with B.Barritt,and have him cover center /wing from the bench.If Ireland tire like they seemed to against Wales ,the last thing they will wantto se is M.Tuilagi coming on Englands management look to have a few decisions to make,regarding tatics and selection,and that is always good .Shows players even in the Saxons are pushing hard for places.
Posted 21:35 04th February 2013
NHsaints says...
That's an interesting idea...Wood at 8, I'd never really considered it but it could work...he's certainly physical enough and he has the pace...I'd be more confident with Haskell or Vunipola at 8 and Wood at 6 though, I mean it's tried and tested...although maybe I'm being too closed on the idea...
Posted 19:29 04th February 2013
ArmchairGeneral says...
Manu returning is not what a battered Ireland will want to hear. Downey start at 12 and move to 13 swapping with BOD to defend. BOD save yourself for France and get to Lions selection in one piece please.
Posted 19:00 04th February 2013
ArmchairGeneral says...
At least they've not turned to Waldrom but Sarries sure are the in club right now! Haskell I noticed was not pushing in a few scrums but fine to give him a go. surely at 8. He's more of an 8 than Wood and more of a like for like replacement to Morgan... I'd have taken a Quins 8. Guest or Easter if back fit. Also if they do really have to move Wood off 6 then give Croft a go.
Posted 18:43 04th February 2013
APV1 says...
@ 99 - I know what you mean. I, in contrast, hope he recovers fully soon!
Back row of Haskell, Robshaw and Wood, with Vunipola on the bench...
Good to have Tuilagi back too.
Change a winning formula and swap Tuilagi with Barritt? I think so.
9 Youngs
10 Farrell
11 Foden
12 36
13 Tuilagi
14 Ashton
15 Brown
Care, Barritt and Goode or Flood on the bench.
Posted 17:46 04th February 2013
TVaddict says...
The safe option is 6) Haskell, 7) Robshaw, 8) Wood. The exciting option would be 6) Wood, 7) Robshaw, 8) Vunipola. I'd probably go for the safe option considering it's Ireland in Ireland, but have Vunipola on the bench. That way our bench would pack some real impact especially if we have the likes of Care, Lawes, and Tuilagi coming on as well.
Posted 17:20 04th February 2013
stumpy says...
two main puzzles are now present in terms of selection. If Morgan doesn't pass, I would opt for Billy Vunipola at 8 and retain Wood and Robshaw at 6 and 7. With Tuilagi returning, I would sadly bench Twelvetrees to have the Barrit/Tuilagi combo as I think a good defence will be crucial against Ireland's super-centres, and good attacking game in general. Also hoping Strettle will finally be dropped, and perhaps Foden can be brought into the mattchday squad.
Posted 17:10 04th February 2013
99call says...
Never like to see players injured but as an irishman i hope Morgan doesnt quite make it as he looked very good on saturday, carried the ball very well
Posted 16:06 04th February 2013