England have been plunged further into disarray before the Rugby World Cup with Anthony Watson ruled out of the tournament, which starts in 15 days’ time, with a calf injury.
Jonny May has been named to start against Fiji on Saturday and is expected to take Watson’s place in the 33-man squad while Steve Borthwick also has concerns over Elliot Daly (knee), Tom Curry (ankle), Henry Arundell (back) and George Martin (knee).
The bleak injury bulletin comes on the back of losing Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola to suspensions for four and two weeks respectively, laying bare the extent of England’s crisis.
Borthwick again took aim at World Rugby on Thursday for the handling of Farrell’s disciplinary process – the England captain’s red card was initially rescinded before the governing body launched a successful appeal – and with eight of his original World Cup squad unavailable for Saturday’s fixture, given Jack van Poortvliet has already withdrawn through injury, the head coach’s problems continue to mount.
Watson sustained his injury in the disappointing defeat by Ireland last week, depriving Borthwick of one of his most experienced back-three players and though May is a well-seasoned replacement, it is desperate luck for the British & Irish Lion who has battled back from long-term knee and achilles injuries. He is currently “unattached”, has been on a training contract with the Rugby Football Union and was expected to rejoin Leicester after the World Cup.
“We’re all really disappointed for him,” said Borthwick. “The contract in place with Anthony is in place. I think for any player, the stress and uncertainty of an injury makes it a challenging time but that’s all very clear to him from a contractual situation.
“I have no doubt there’s going to be more injuries, for every team. We are going through our time now of having bangs and bruises, we are going through our time now of having a couple of disciplinary processes. Every team is going to go through it, and if I could choose my time to go through it, it would probably be now rather than when we’re out in France.”
Daly, meanwhile, suffered a knee injury in Dublin. Borthwick was more optimistic that the Saracens versatility back would be fit for the start of the World Cup but his current absence leaves Borthwick light on available playmakers with Marcus Smith again covering full-back on Saturday. The injuries to Arundell and Martin are thought to be less serious but Curry faces the prospect of going into the World Cup cold, having not appeared in any of England’s warm-up fixtures.
Meanwhile, Borthwick reiterated his disappointment at World Rugby’s decision to pursue action against Farrell after he had initially been cleared at his first disciplinary hearing last week, revealing the RFU intends to take the matter further.
“While we respect the process, we’re not pleased with it,” he said. “Now isn’t the right time to dig into those details but there will be a time when we talk about it. We have a World Cup to focus on but we’ll be following through certain channels now and then we’ll be able to speak publicly once we’re through this period. Whether you’re a supporter of England or another country, everybody could see that something like this should not have gone on for that period of time. That’s one of the aspects we’ll be considering feeding back.
“The first process was conducted by one of the more senior and experienced panels that handles these matters and they’ve come to a considered decision. Then another panel comes in and says something different. The whole process is quite bewildering. I will talk about it more in the future but right now it’s bewildering, it’s been frustrating and there’s no doubt it’s been a distraction.”
With Vunipola also suspended, Ben Earl has been given a chance to stake his claim for the No 8 jersey against Fiji with Jack Willis making a first start of the summer at openside flanker. Courtney Lawes captains the side again and becomes only the fifth men’s player to reach 100 caps while George Ford retains the No 10 jersey and Alex Mitchell makes his first start at scrum-half.
England: Freddie Steward, Max Malins, Ollie Lawrence, Manu Tuilagi, Jonny May, George Ford, Alex Mitchell; Ellis Genge, Theo Dan, Dan Cole, Maro Itoje, Ollie Chessum, Courtney Lawes (c), Jack Willis, Ben Earl.
Replacements: Jack Walker, Joe Marler, Will Stuart, David Ribbans, Lewis Ludlam, Danny Care, Marcus Smith, Joe Marchant.
Fiji: Ilaisa Droasese, Selestino Ravutaumada, Waisea Nayacalevu (c), Semi Radradra, Vinaya Habosi, Caleb Muntz, Frank Lomani; Eroni Mawi, Sam Matavesi, Luke Tagi, Isoa Nasilasila, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Albert Tuisue, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Viliame Mata.
Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Jone Koroiduadua, Samu Tawake, Temo Mayanavanua, Vilive Miramira, Simione Kuruvoli, Teti Tela, Kalaveti Ravouvou.
“Ben has taken that role after Billy left the field and I think you would all say Ben has done really well and played really well,” said Borthwick. “I think you would also look at last season after Billy was unavailable for Saracens, Ben filled that role and adapted. We would all say he played really well then as well. We are very clear that we have got a strong player. We also have Lewis Ludlam, who moved from six to No 8 during games in the Six Nations.”
