Sam Underhill’s double-jab decision ‘easy’
England flanker Sam Underhill has cited the experience of seeing family members get ill with coronavirus as his motivation to get double-jabbed, saying the decision was a simple one to make.
With the virus currently disrupting England’s preparations, claiming prop Joe Marler this week and captain Owen Farrell last week – the latter to a faulty test result – and sports teams all over the world struggling with non-vaccinated players testing positive, Underhill insists the consequences of ignoring the science are too grave.
England players who have been double-jabbed are no longer required to withdraw and isolate, which has been a godsend this past fortnight.
Big impact on the game
Farrell has since left self-isolation and is poised to lead the team against the Wallabies, but a member of Eddie Jones’ backroom staff also tested positive last week.
“It’s an ongoing public debate which gets into the realms of bodily autonomy and respecting individual decisions,” Underhill said.
“For us there are obviously consequences in terms of isolation lengths, contact tracing and all those sorts of things.
“Personally, I think the more information there is, the more informed you are the better… from good, reliable sources.
“I’m double vaccinated, so I can speak for myself, not anyone else. It’s obviously having a big impact on the game. And it looks like it will (have a big impact on the game).
“My sister’s a doctor. My dad got Covid and was hospitalised with it. I don’t fancy getting it or giving it to any family members. Anything for me that’s going to decrease that likelihood.
“Being double jabbed seems to have a very negligible effect on my wellbeing. In my opinion it’s a good thing.
“It’s not for me to dictate what people do, but I think it’s a very positive thing and a lot of very intelligent people worked very hard to get it out there so we can keep living the lives we live.”
Farrell’s availability at fly-half means Marcus Smith is likely to continue on the bench for Australia despite bringing Twickenham to its feet with a high-octane cameo against Tonga last Saturday.
Smith will be England’s smallest player on the field but defence coach Anthony Seibold insist there is no lack of intent in the tackle.
“One of the things I have seen with Marcus is he is willing to put his body in front,” Seibold said.
“However big or small you are, getting your body in front is an attitude thing. Marcus brings that attitude. He’s always talking to me about doing extras after training and he is very consistent about looking at his defence.”
England boost as they return no new positive Covid tests
England have received a significant boost ahead of the clash with the Wallabies after they returned no further Covid-19 positives.
Joe Marler was ruled out of this weekend’s clash after he tested positive for the virus and, as a result, the rest of the squad and backroom staff underwent an additional round of PCR testing.
Fortunately for the Red Rose there have been no new cases, which significantly aids their preparations for Saturday’s game.
