Joseph winning his battle for fitness

JONATHAN Joseph is winning his battle with the back injury sustained against Georgia as the first true challenge of England’s Autumn Nations Cup looms at Twickenham on Saturday.

Joseph suffered a spasm while in the process of setting up a try for Elliot Daly in the first half of a 40-0 rout of Les Lelos last weekend and was in obvious pain as he was helped from the pitch.

The 29-year-old Bath centreturnedhas responded well to treatment, however, and could be ready in time for the visit of Andy Farrell’s Ireland.

“Jonathan is recovering nicely, so hopefully he’ll be in contention for this weekend, which is good for us,” attack coach Simon Amor said.

The news is less positive over flyhalf George Ford and prop Joe Marler, both of whom look set to miss out once again as respective Achilles and knee injuries leave them waiting to make their first Autumn Nations Cup appearances.

“George is progressing nicely as well. We’re hoping he’ll be in contention in some part of this tournament,” said Amor, who revealed that flanker Mark Wilson has returned to his club Newcastle for treatment.

“It’s an Achilles injury, which can take some time, but he’s progressing nicely so that’s encouraging,” Amor added of Ford. “We’re not sure at the moment if he’ll be back for Saturday, but he’s moving in the right direction which is brilliant.

“Joe’s another one who is progressing nicely and moving in the right direction. Hopefully he’ll be involved in some part of the tournament and hopefully that will be sooner rather than later.

“They’re just difficult little injuries, niggling little injuries and we’ve got to get them right.”

■ FRANCE have been awarded a 28-0 bonus-point win over Fiji after Sunday’s Autumn Nations Cup match was cancelled because of a Covid-19 outbreak in the Fijian camp.

Several players tested positive ahead of the game, with an announcement made last week.

An Autumn Nations Cup statement said: “Whilst no fault has been apportioned to Fiji Rugby, the competition rules provide that if a team is directly responsible for a match not taking place, a 28-0 victory will be awarded to the opposition that would have played.

“We wish the affected Fiji players well as they continue their recovery and we are working closely with Fiji Rugby to ensure they can field a competitive team against Italy.”

It means France now sit top of Group B, ahead of Scotland who beat Italy on Saturday.