OWEN TO MISS KICK OFF
OWEN FARRELL is a major doubt for tomorrow’s Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland at Twickenham.
The goal-kicker needed treatment on his left knee and failed to complete yesterday’s training session.
And if he cannot complete a planned kicking session at Twickenham today, England could be forced into a late change.
They would certainly miss Farrell’s magical boot as they bid to equal New Zealand’s record of 18 Test wins in a row.
Coach Eddie Jones, who is also chasing a successive Six Nations Grand Slam, claimed at first that Farrell had tripped over his dog.
But then the Aussie said: “He’s in doubt but we’ll see.
“He just ran into someone at training, as simple as that.
“We have plenty of back-up. Ben Te’o can play 12 and he’s an exceptional player, so there’s no risk there.
“Owen will be alright... possibly.”
Skipper Dylan Hartley seemed more confident that Farrell, who is scheduled to partner the recalled Jonathan Joseph at centre, will be fit.
Hartley said: “I asked if he was OK and he said yes. Owen Farrell is a tough boy.”
Jones has brought back scrum-half Ben Youngs and wing Jack Nowell, but has left Billy Vunipola on the bench after his rapid recovery from a knee injury.
Scotland, who have not won at Twickenham since 1983, have made one change with flanker Hamish Watson replacing the injured John Hardie.