“The utmost care is needed” - Sam Underhill could be out for months

Monday, 11 July 2022 at 08:40

byRugby Rucker

England's preparations for their series decider against the Wallabies have been dealt a blow after two flankers ruled out with Tom Curry having already been sent home.

Sam Underhill, who was stood down from rugby earlier this year on specialist advice having suffered four concussions in eight months, suffered yet another nasty head knock as England overcame Australia at the weekend.

England Rugby

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Squad update from Australia 🇦🇺 We wish @maroitoje and Sam Underhill a speedy recovery 💪

7:00 AM · Jul 11, 2022

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It's now expected that the flanker will seek further medical advice and undertake a stand down period when he returns to England.

Wasps man Jack Willis, who pulled out of the second Test at the last minute with a rib injury, has been given the all clear and will challenge Lewis Ludlam for the No7 jersey.

Maro Itoje has also withdrawn from the squad following his concussion against the Wallabies. No replacements will be called up.

England boss Eddie Jones has four players who need dropping

RUCK takes a look at four players who need dropping after struggling today against Australia, with Eddie Jones now preparing the side for a series decider n Sydney next weekend.

#1. Sam Underhill

Telegraph 4/10: "Far from his best and struggled to fill Curry's shoes. Largely ineffective and leaked penalties. If Willis recovers from injury, he should get a chance in Sydney."

Telegraph Rugby

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England v Australia, second Test player ratings: Freddie Steward imperious, Sam Underhill far from his best | @CERichardson_ telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/20…

12:19 PM · Jul 9, 2022

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#2. Marcus Smith

Telegraph 5/10: "There is no doubt about his talent, no doubt about his potential; there is also no doubt that he was England's least impressive back, the sin-binning indicative of England's wobble."

Rugby Pass 5.5/10: "With his team already under the pump Smith was sin-binned at the worst possible moment for a brainless deliberate knock-down."

Replacement: Joe Marchant with Owen Farrell moving to fly-half

#3. **Maro Itoje (INJURY)**

Telegraph 8/10: "Back to his sublime, nuisance self until his gruesome injury. Would be a huge loss for England if he were ruled out of the series"

Rugby Pass 7/10: "The most prominent figure in England’s lineout and an influential figure in the loose prior to departing shortly before half-time following a head knock."

Replacement: Ollie Chessum