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Jones provides mixed messages over Farrell injury scare
By Christopher Devine
Eddie Jones did little to clear up an injury scare for Owen Farrell ahead of England's Six Nations match with Scotland, providing mixed messages over the playmaker's availability in a mischievous news conference.
Farrell required treatment from England's physios during a training session on Thursday, having suffered an apparent leg problem.
Yet after initially suggesting the Saracens back was a "doubt" for Scotland's visit to Twickenham, Jones proceeded to change tack while offering a somewhat farcical explanation of how the injury was sustained.
"I think he ran into my dog, mate. My dog was running around and he ran into it," said Jones with a smile, before adding: "Nah, he'll be alright. He'll be alright."
A reporter immediately stated: "But you said he was a doubt", to which Jones replied: "Yeah, but I think he'll be alright, is that ok?"
The England coach later added: "He just ran into someone in training, simple as that. He'll be alright ... possibly."
Asked if England have sufficient cover should Farrell, who was named in the starting XV earlier on Thursday, be unavailable, Jones said: "We've got plenty of back-ups. Ben Te'o can play 12, he's an exceptional player, so there's no risk for us."
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Latest Comments
How about a SH type of Champions Cup? I'm not going to repeat the whole response here, but did write what I think would be good. Not only for NZ, but all of the SH. I would however love to hear your thoughts on such a competition
Go to commentsCan’t really complain about those scores. Individually, too many were off their best and went missing in big, match defining moments. Collectively, the team often looked muddled and lacked cool-headed, leadership especially in the final quarter of games. This was further compounded by a quality drop-off from the bench.
Calls for Borthwick’s dismissal have grown increasingly louder with each passing game as he has been shown to be tactically and selectively subpar. His position is now in the balance and I don’t believe he’ll be kept on unless England fix their defensive issues and beat at least one of Ireland, France or Scotland in the 6Ns, which on the latest showing looks increasingly unlikely.
Couple of returning players in Chessum and Mitchell coupled with a stronger bench, might give England fans a few reasons to remain optimistic.
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