Kyle Sinckler and Mako Vunipola have joined the 28-player tournament squad as England prepare for Saturday’s game against Italy at Twickenham Stadium (2.15pm KO).
Sinckler, 27, has 40 caps so far for England and is available after suspension while Vunipola, 30, has won 63 caps for his country and returns to the squad following an injury.
Harry Williams and Tom West have returned to their clubs.
EDITORS PICKS:
- 5 players Eddie Jones should call-up after Scotland defeat
- Mike Brown’s brutal assessment of Owen Farrell
- Fans pick their sensational all-time Six Nations XV
- Nigel Owens ranks the five toughest players he had to referee
- England shadow squad: Who does Eddie Jones have in reserve?
- Six Nations stars who had normal jobs before becoming players
Five stars pushing for spot in Warren Gatland’s Lions squad
Here, we look at five players who significantly boosted their chances during the opening weekend of the 2021 Guinness Six Nations.
Hamish Watson
A stalwart of the Scotland back-row, Watson has popped back on the radar through a stunning return to form for Scotland. The flanker was a major force in this historic win against England at Twickenham, making telling contributions in both attack and defence. A class act.
Robbie Henshaw
Ireland's best player in Cardiff. Key to the away sides try at the end of the first half, the powerhouse carried 18 times for 116m and made six tackles - despite missing 10 minutes of the game for a Head Injury Assessment. Probably the most in form centre around at the moment.
Louis Rees-Zammit
Wales again struggled to get the ball to the Gloucester winger, who has only seen the ball a handful of times in his fledgling Test career to date. However, when he did get it, he moved like lightening and finished in the corner in remarkable fashion. Gatland will like what he's seen of the youngster so far.
Jonny Gray
The Exeter Chiefs man produced a towering performance for his country and forced the likes of Maro Itoje into rare mistakes. A statement showing from a Lions candidate.
Wyn Jones
With England's Mako Vunipola out injured, Jones proved himself to be the most dynamic loosehead from across the home nations. He carried really well, making an impressive 44m from 10 carries with ball in hand and held his own against Andrew Porter. Deserved his Man Of The Match award, and definitely enters the race for a place on the Lions tour.
