England boss Eddie Jones has revealed that Courtney Lawes has only an “outside chance” of taking on Italy in the Six Nations next Sunday.
The Northampton Saints lock. who captained the side during the Autumn Nations Series, missed the defeat to Scotland due to the after-effects of a head injury.
“We’ll need to pick the best 23 to play against Italy,” said Jones.
“Courtney at this stage has an outside chance of playing against Italy. He is progressing well.”
“There’s a lot of optimism,” he added following the defeat at Murrayfield.
“Obviously, we are disappointed by the result, let’s not get away from that. Scotland deserved to win.
“But in this situation there were three points between the teams and a number of decisions which could be debated.
“You’ve got one lucky winner and one unlucky loser. Congratulations to Scotland, they got the rub of the green, but we may get it in the next game”.
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The likely England team to face Italy as Eddie Jones considers FIVE big changes
#BACK-THREE:
- 15. Freddie Steward
- 14. Jack Nowell for Joe Marchant
- 11. Max Malins
Marchant was horribly exposed by his opposite number in a defensive performance he’ll want to forget against Scotland. It’s time to bring Nowell back in from the cold following his international exile.
#CENTRES:
- 13. Henry Slade
- 12. Manu Tuilagi for Elliot Daly
The powerhouse made a barnstorming return to rugby for Sale at the weekend and should come straight back into the XV.