England hit with a serious blow on the eve of their must-win Six Nations conflict with Eire as Maro Itoje falls sick and turns into a serious doubt
- England host Eire at Twickenham within the Six Nations on Saturday afternoon
- The hosts should win if they’re to maintain their Championship hopes alive
- Maro Itoje will miss Friday’s captain’s run on the stadium resulting from sickness
- England are ‘cautiously optimistic’ that he can be accessible to play
Maro Itoje is a doubt for England’s crunch Guinness Six Nations conflict with Eire at Twickenham on Saturday after turning into unwell in a single day.
Itoje missed Friday’s captain’s run on the stadium however England are ‘cautiously optimistic’ that he can be accessible to tackle Andy Farrell’s title rivals.
In a second blow to the squad on the eve of a pivotal match, forwards coach Richard Cockerill has examined constructive for Covid-19 and is now self-isolating.
Maro Itoje is a doubt for England’s crunch Guinness Six Nations conflict with Eire
England can be hoping that Itoje recovers sufficiently to take his place within the second-row realizing that they can not afford to lose a participant of his calibre if they’re to defeat Eire.
A mainstay of Eddie Jones’ pack, Itoje units the bodily tone for his group, notably in defence.
At this stage England have opted in opposition to calling up any cowl within the occasion Itoje is dominated out, however Joe Launchbury would most definitely step up from the bench to fill the void.
England can be hoping that Itoje recovers sufficiently to take his place within the second-row
Launchbury continues to be on his comeback from a severe knee harm, nevertheless, as he prepares to make his first worldwide look since December 2020.
An alternative choice could be to recall Nick Isiekwe from Saracens and slot him straight into the beginning XV given he can be extra battle-hardened than Launchbury resulting from his common involvement on this Six Nations.
Leicester rookie Ollie Chessum is current as a reserve, however choosing him on the bench in opposition to Eire is likely to be of venture Jones is unwilling to take.
