Joseph injury worry for Eddie

JONATHAN JOSEPH set England’s alarm bells ringing as he limped off after 28 minutes of Bath’s 41-6 Premiership defeat by Saracens yesterday and put his summer tour prospects in doubt.

The alarm bells will be ringing for the rest of the league too, Sarries scoring six tries to cement a top-four spot.

Bath centre Joseph twisted his left ankle being tackled by Schalk Burger and was helped off on crutches. England have a three-Test trip to South Africa in June and Joseph has been virtually ever-present during the Eddie Jones reign.

Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder said: “He gave his ankle a real good tweak. We are not sure how long he will be out for, but hopefully it won’t be too serious.”

Saracens have their sights set on reclaiming the Premiership after this dominant display.

They led 15-6 at halftime with scores from Schalk Brits and Liam Williams, then put their foot down after the break with tries from Richard Wigglesworth, Owen Farrell, Burger and Ben Spencer.

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said: “The group challenged themselves at half-time to start big in the second half. To win that 26-0 takes a bit of doing. We want to generate some momentum. There is a real determination to finish this season well.”

A hat-trick from England No8 Sam Simmonds helped Exeter to a 45-5 win over London Irish and ensured a home semifinal for the champions.

Irish are as good as down because they are nine points adrift of 11th-placed Worcester with two rounds left.