May-day! England hit again
WING ADDS TO INJURY CRISIS
ENGLAND were last night facing a mounting injury crisis among their wings after it emerged that Jonny May is set to miss the autumn opener against Argentina with a hamstring strain.
Leicester’s prolific finisher arrived in the Algarve for England’s warmweather camp having scored 10 tries in nine matches for his new club, but was injured during a training session on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old (below) is almost certain to miss the Pumas clash on November 11 and will focus on recovering for the next match against Australia seven days later.
‘Jonny May hurt his hamstring so he’s probably doubtful for next week,’ said coach Steve Borthwick. ‘Jonny has been in great form so he will be a miss, without question — but he will be back fit soon.’
That is not the full extent of the casualty list among the wide-men. Jack Nowell and Elliot Daly have already been ruled out, while Denny Solomona joined up with England carrying a minor achilles injury but is expected to be fit by the end of the week. Bath wing Semesa Rokoduguni, who was summoned on Monday in place of Daly, arrived with a dead leg but should also be available for training by the end of the week.
‘I think Denny is going to be all right,’ said Borthwick. ‘ He came into camp with a knock but he’s getting there. Roko came in with a dead leg but he is feeling better. He is not far away.’ Head coach Eddie Jones has spoken about resting his Test Lions, but that may be under threat in light of injuries. The only fully fit wing is Anthony Watson and he is among the Lions contingent on a reduced workload. The injury to May creates a potential vacancy in the squad, but Marland Yarde is unlikely to fill it after his acrimonious and hasty exit from Harlequins to Sale. Chris Robshaw yesterday offered a damning verdict on the episode. Quins’ England flanker said: ‘I am disappointed in him. Marland has unfortunately run out of lives and for us as a club, we are going to be in a better place now. It’s a massive shame because he’s a talented player but John (Kingston, director of rugby) has taken a great stance.’ Several more England players are carrying knocks this week, with 14 of the 33-man squad unable to do full- contact sessions. Quins rookie Marcus Smith will fly home today after he suffered a suspected foot sprain from kicking the ground. WALES have recalled centre Scott Williams after Tyler Morgan was ruled out by an injured ankle.