Eddie Jones has a possible injury crisis in the back-row ahead of England’s tour of South Africa with Wasps’ Jack Willis expected to miss out while there are fresh concerns over the fitness of Saracens’ Billy Vunipola.
“Jack’s knee isn’t looking too great, it’s a hyperextension,” said Wasps coach Dai Young.
“He’ll have a scan and he’s on crutches. The medics think it’s serious enough to have a scan straight away.”
“Hopefully it’s not too bad, but I would be surprised if it is anything that is going to be right in a week or two.”
“It’s not looking good…”
We’ve had an update from Dai Young on Jack Willis’ injury, and the Wasps man is a doubt for England’s tour of South Africa.
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With that in mind, this semi-final could take on extra significance for Don Armand and Gary Graham. pic.twitter.com/uGrGbEC5QG
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From an England perspective, that injury was compounded by the departure of Saracens and England star Billy Vunipola.
The back-row forward was making his return from a tight hamstring, having recently recovered from a broken arm, but was withdrawn at half-time due to the same injury and is now a doubt for Saturday’s final against Exeter at Twickenham.
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“Billy felt a little tightness in his hamstring and fought with us a little bit to go back out again, but it didn’t seem worth the risk,” Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said.
“I think he has got a chance to be fit for the final. He played pretty well for 40 minutes for someone who hasn’t played for a long time.”