Joe ready to wing in

JOE COKANASIGA will battle it out with Jack Nowell to replace Chris Ashton on the England right wing against Wales on Saturday.

Ashton, who made his first Six Nations start for six years in last week’s 44-8 win over France, has been ruled out by a calf strain.

England boss Eddie Jones will now consider Nowell, who he dropped to the bench in order to make space for Ashton’s return.

But he also has Bath star Cokanasiga ready for selection for the first time since being sidelined for 10 weeks with knee ligament damage.

The winger, 21, made a massive impression on the international stage in the autumn, scoring tries on his first two starts against Japan and Australia.

He confirmed both his fitness and form on Saturday with a try in Bath’s 30-13 Premiership win over Newcastle.

“I am confident with the knee and ready for the challenge ahead,” said Cokanasiga.

“I have been working hard to get back to where I was before.

“The injury was one of the best things that could have happened to me because I could easily have become complacent after the autumn and relaxed.

“Now I have to fight to get my place back.”

England and Wales will meet in the Cardiff crunch having both won their opening two games in this season’s Six Nations.