It’s pain and gain for Ross
ROSS MORIARTY made a mammoth 26 tackles against Argentina – the most by any international player last weekend.
And the No8 is ready to put his body on the line again to seal what would be a first Test series victory for Wales in Argentina since 1999.
“I’m still feeling the first Test – Argentina have some massive forwards and I was just happy to get in there and make the tackles I did. Even though it hurts, it’s so worth it,” IN DURBAN JOE LAUNCHBURY will return to face South Africa on Saturday in a welcome boost for England but Chris Robshaw could be dropped for the first time in the Eddie Jones era when the side for the second Test is named today.
Robshaw is understood to be under significant pressure for his starting place after the 42-39 loss to the Springboks last Saturday as the England coach toys with the idea of promoting Brad Shields to start his first international.
It would represent a rapid promotion for the Hurricanes back row after just 11 days as a squad member, but as Jones was happy enough to throw him on as a replacement for 45 minutes out of position only a week into his time with England, it is eminently possible.
“There were aspects of Chris’s game that went well and, as with all the players, there are aspects that we need to improve on,” said England forwards coach Steve Borthwick yesterday.
“Brad is a vastly experienced player and a very good one. It’s great that we’ve got that versatility and he gives us options.
“He’s a fantastic leader, his teammates have respect for him, people want him on their team. That’s the background we were getting and that’s what I’ve seen in the 10 days he has been with us. He has an incredible workrate – you always want people like that on the pitch.”
Robshaw, described previously by Jones as the “glue” in the England team, has started 22 of the Australian’s 29 games in charge, only previously missing out through injury.
If Robshaw is left out of the starting team, he could miss out on a place in the match 23 entirely, with a more dynamic option in Sam Simmonds pushing for a bench spot. Launchbury’s recovery from a calf strain is