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England facing possible backrow reshuffle
By Online Editors
England could be forced into a change in their backrow with Brad Shields looking increasingly doubtful for their Six Nations opener with Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.
Shields pulled out of Wasps' recent Heineken Champions Cup game with Leinster at the Ricoh because of a side strain but travelled to the Algarve to join up with the England squad.
Shields was not involved in training on Tuesday prompting fears he will not be fit in time to make the game at the Aviva Stadium.
The former Hurricanes captain broke into the England squad for the June tour of South Africa and can operate at lock or in the backrow. He was first choice blindside flanker during the Novemnber internationals for matches against South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.
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Courtney Lawes operated in the 6 jersey against Japan, however Mark Wilson is likely to get the nod instead, with the player regularly selected in that position for Newcastle Falcons. Wilson was also an impressive performer during the Autumn for England, when playing at number 8 and at openside. With Billy Vunipola likely to return at number 8, it could be the perfect solution to keep Wilson in the team.
Centre Ben Te'o also missed out on training on Tuesday. Eddie Jones will whittle down his 35-man squad later on Tuesday, with his matchday squad set to be named on Thursday.
On Monday it was revealed that Jack Clifford returned home after the backrow suffered a head injury in training.
“Jack took a knock to the head so what we’ve decided to do is to manage him,” said England defence coach John Mitchell.
“It’s not an HIA outcome but it’s more important to manage him, so he’s returned home early as he won’t be able to get through most of the work remaining.”
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Latest Comments
“Pep didn’t win the ECL in 2009. It was 2008 with Barca”
Why are you so insistent on being wrong? Man United won in 2008 (beating Chelsea in the final). In 2009 Barcelona won, beating United.
“The gap between wins ignores the finals contested. 2 in 2 years with his City Triumph. The most recent put him in the elite company of managers to have won it with multiple clubs. Yet more late career success and history.”
Again - you’re not correct. City won the CL in 2023, and made the final in 2021. Those are the only two CL finals they have made. With Barcelona, Pep made the semi final four consecutive times - with City he’s managed only 3 in 8 years. This year they didn’t even make the round of 16.
To re-cap, you wrote that Pep “has gotten better with age. By every measure.” There are some measures that support what you’re saying, but the vast majority of the measures that you have highlighted actually show the opposite.
I am aware Les Kiss has achieved great things in his career, but I don’t care what he did over ten years ago. Rugby was a different sport back then.
I think your take on Gatland is pretty silly. Gatland was without Edwards in the 2013 and 2017 Lions tours and managed to do alright. You’ve also not addressed Eddie Jones.
I agree wrt Schmidt. He would ideally be retained, but it wouldn’t work to have a remote head coach. He should definitely be hired as a consultant/analyst/selector though.
“Look at the talent that would be discarded in Schmidt and Kiss if your age Nazism was applied.”
lol u really need to chill out lad. Kiss and Schmidt would both be great members of the coaching set up in 2025, but it would be ridiculous to bank on either to retain the head coach role until 2031.
Go to commentsGood to see this guy back, looking forward to this years RC.
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