Hughes could start after his ban, reveals Jones
NATHAN Hughes is poised to make his England comeback in Saturday’s autumn finale against Australia after completing his six-week ban.
Hughes missed the opening three clashes after being suspended for punching and conduct prejudicial to the interest of the game, the latter charge incurred for tweeting “what a joke” at the disciplinary process.
The Fijian-born Wasps forward is likely to be involved in the matchday 23 named by Eddie Jones on Thursday and will supply a ball-carrying threat at No.8 where Mark Wilson and Zach Mercer have been covering admirably.
“Nathan did a bit of training yesterday (Sunday) so he’s not bad. We’ll wait and see if he could start,” Jones said.
Mercer has made way to accommodate Hughes’ return among the 28 summoned to England’s Surrey training base to prepare for Australia’s visit.
Also axed after Saturday’s laboured 35-15 victory over Japan are scrum-half Danny Care and centre Alex Lozowski.
Richard Wigglesworth, a second-half replacement on Saturday, will deputise for Ben Youngs from the bench against Australia after ousting Care, who has been jettisoned despite scoring the opening try.
Lozowski has paid the price for waving centre Ryoto Nakamura through under the posts for one of Japan’s two touchdowns, a mistake that saw him replaced by Owen Farrell at halftime.
“We’re just changing the squad to look at how we can improve it. Selection is always a response to performance,” Jones said.
Manu Tuilagi appears set to miss the entire autumn after Jones painted a bleak picture over his chances of facing Australia.
Tuilagi was ruled out of the opener against the Springboks because of a groin strain but has not been selected since.
“Manu’s coming along well but is very doubtful for this weekend. We’ll wait and see,” Jones said.
The England coach also revealed that wing Chris Ashton is to undergo a scan on the calf problem sustained against Japan.
Meanwhile, Australia scrumhalf Will Genia believes England have developed into formidable opposition due to Jones’ ability to harness their strengths.
Genia will win his 100th cap on Saturday, having lost four of his last six outings against the Red Rose.
The 30-year old was involved in the thumping victory which sent England crashing out of their own World Cup in 2015, but was also part of the Wallabies’ 30-6 rout last autumn.
“England know their strengths and they play a winning brand of rugby, and that’s something I’ve seen since Eddie has been with them,” Genia said. “They play to their strengths and like the physical battle. They don’t shy away from their strengths, which is something I admire.”