England handed latest injury blow as Tom Curry update issued
England will likely be without Tom Curry for their trip to France, with the flanker limping out of their warm-up
England are sweating over the fitness of back-row forward Tom Curry, with the Sale Sharks man suspected to have picked up a calf injury.
The flanker was initially named to start on the openside flank in England’s Six Nations clash against Italy, but was later carried out of the warm-up by two physios and was walking with a heavy limp.
Curry has been a mainstay in the England side in recent years, featuring in 15 of England’s last 18 Tests and only missing the summer tour of the Americas due to his selection on the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.
Tom Curry set for absence as Steve Borthwick issues injury update on flanker
“I’ve not had any medical report in, but looking at him I think everyone would say that’s doubtful right now,” Borthwick said when asked of his chances of playing against France
“I had a very brief conversation, but it’s a calf injury.”
While the loss of Curry is undoubtedly a major blow for the England coach ahead of their trip to Paris next weekend, it opens up a gap in the back-row.
Sam Underhill came into replace his former partner-in-crime in the defeat to Italy and seems the most likely option to slot in at seven once again against France, but Borthwick is not short of options.
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Henry Pollock and Chandler Cunningham-South both featured on the bench in Rome, with the Quins ace a direct replacement in the 23 after Curry’s 11th-hour withdrawal, and could easily be options to come into the starting XV should Borthwick wish. Both men offer something slightly different to this squad, but the pack is desperate for another carrier in the tight and Cunningham-South would certainly fit the bill on that front.
Elsewhere, Jack Kenningham could win that elusive first cap after returning to the wider training squad, while Greg Fisilau could be an option to come back into the mix after losing his spot in the build-up to the Italy Test, and would add that extra ball-carrier England are crying out for if he were to come straight into the 23.
READ MORE: RFU make position on Steve Borthwick future clear after Italy defeat