Eddie Jones reportedly set to start Elliot Daly for England against Wales following the injury to Manu Tuilagi.
The change will see Henry Slade swap to 12 with Daly playing at 13 and versatile Joe Marchant coming onto the bench.
Head coach Eddie Jones is reportedly hopeful that the powerhouse may be fit for England’s final two Six Nations matches against Ireland and France.
“Manu had a slight hamstring strain at training on Thursday, so he’s left camp and is at home,” Cockerill, England’s forwards coach said.
“It’s not too serious as far as we know and hopefully, he’ll be back soon. Manu is in pretty good spirits. Unfortunately, this is part of professional sport.”
“Manu has still got a smile on his face and is optimistic that he’ll be back playing for club and country pretty soon,” Cockerill added.
“On that front it’s pretty positive but obviously we’re disappointed for him personally, and it’s disappointing for the team as he’d have been an important part of the squad.”
England: Freddie Steward; Max Malins, Elliot Daly, Henry Slade,, Jack Nowell, Marcus Smith, Harry Randall, Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Kyle Sinckler; Charlie Ewels, Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes (capt), Tom Curry, Alex Dombrandt.
Reps: Jamie George, Joe Marler, Will Stuart, Nick Isiekwe, Sam Simmonds, Ben Youngs, George Ford, Joe Marchant.
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Officials for this weekend, including England vs Wales referee
SCOTLAND v FRANCE REFEREE
- Referee: Karl Dickson (RFU)
- Assistant Referee 1: Luke Pearce (RFU)
- Assistant Referee 2: Chris Busby (IRFU)
- TMO: Tom Foley (RFU)
He started in rugby as a player, competing at scrum-half. Dickson played for Bedford Blues and Harlequins before announcing his retirement in 2017.
He will make his Six Nations referee debut in the 2022 tournament when he takes charge of Scotland v France. Chairman of the World Rugby Match Officials Selection Committee Graham Mourie said: “I would like to extend my congratulations to Nika (Amashukeli), Damon (Murphy) and Karl, who will be refereeing their first Six Nations matches, and wish all the best to all the match officials selected for the Championship.”
Dickson has twin daughter with wife Jocelyn. He met Jocelyn on a night out in Clapham with fellow player Mike Brown.
