Itoje ruled out of Wales game
Maro Itoje has been ruled out of England's Guinness Six Nations match with Wales.
He's failed to recover after injuring medial ligaments during England's 32-20 win over Ireland at the Aviva on matchday one.
He was initially expected to be ruled out for the rest of the tournament, but the England camp had express positive noises in the build-up to Saturday's game with Wales at the Principality Stadium, which has been billed as the Grand Slam decider.
in the aftermath of England's 44-8 win over France at Twickenham head coach Eddie Jones refused to rule out Itoje's return in time for the Wales clash, while on Monday England defence coach John Mitchell said the Saracens club man was "progressing nicely”.
Forwards coach Steve Borthwick told Sky Sports that he was "not quite ready" to face Wales.
"He continues to rehab day-by-day. He is not going to be available for Saturday's game. So you are always looking to the future and the timelines of progression is day-by-day. He is doing well, but not quite ready for Saturday."
Asked whether he'd be ready to return for the Italy game Borthwick said: "I expect him to continue to be monitored on a day-by-day basis and progress. he is not fit for this Saturday and right now I am not looking beyond that.
It means that England are likely to stick with the second row combination of Courtney Lawes and George Kruis for the game with Wales, with Joe Launchbury on the bench.
Watch: Eddie Jones "We are playing the greatest Welsh side ever"
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In the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.
Go to commentsI’d be fascinated to see what other candidates you all might have for the Lions captaincy role. Let me know, below 👍
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