Jones’ major concerns for Willis after England win
ENGLAND 41 ITALY 18
Eddie Jones voiced his concern for Jack Willis after the England flanker suffered a sickening knee injury in yesterday’s 41-18 Guinness Six Nations victory over Italy at Twickenham.
Willis was driven from the field on a medical cart in the 66th minute after Sebastian Negri rolled him out of a ruck, forcing a cry of pain from the Wasps back row as his leg twisted awkwardly.
It was a cruel blow to Willis, who had scored his second international try shortly before but is now facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
“We’re all concerned. He’s on crutches. He’ll be examined on Sunday but obviously it didn’t look good and probably isn’t good,” Jones said. “We’ll just wait and see. He’s got some sort of knee injury and has been in the dressing room with us.”
Willis was named in England’s squad for their 2018 tour to South Africa but had to withdraw because of a serious injury to his right knee, before his career endured the additional setback of a significant ankle problem.
Negri, the Italy flanker, was on the ground when he performed a controversial manoeuvre called a “crocodile roll” that while yet to be outlawed from the game, is a source of tension in the game.
“It’s up to the referee to interpret that.
“The referee has to make the decision on whether it was safe or not. We abide by whatever decision the referee makes,” Jones said.
Jonny May moved clear into second place in England’s all-time try-scoring list with an acrobatic finish on the stroke of half-time, the Gloucester ace placing the ball down from a horizontal, mid-air position.
On the other wing, Anthony Watson struck twice in a six-try victory as the champions secured partial redemption for their dire Calcutta Cup defeat by Scotland a week ago.
“Jonny’s obviously been watching rugby league tapes! In NRL that’s a fairly traditional way to finish, a smart way to finish,” Jones said.
“It was absolutely brilliant.
Rangers are desperate to hold on to the man Steven Gerrard believes could be Scotland’s Player of the Year.
Veteran midfielder Steven Davis inspired the Light Blues to victory over Kilmarnock as the Ibrox side moved closer to the title.
Gerrard said: “When I sit down and have the one-to-one, I hope he’s still as enthusiastic to carry on.
“He’s in the running for Player of the Year.”