England duo could return
Sam Underhill, Zach Mercer and Charlie Ewels are still in the mix to play against New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday. Head coach Eddie Jones has retained 25 players to continue England’s preparation for their second Autumn Test against the double, reigning world champions (3pm). Elliott Stooke and Joe Cokanasiga have been released back to Bath Rugby; meaning they could be given game time against Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park in the Premiership Rugby Cup on Friday night. Mercer came off the bench for Tom Curry in the 12-11 win against South Africa last weekend and impressed with his skill, energy and a late turnover. He might have done enough to convince Jones to start him at number eight against the All Blacks. Ewels also came off the bench against the Springboks, but he faces extra competition on top of Maro Itoje and George Kruis from fitagain Courtney Lawes for a place in the matchday 23, which will be announced on Thursday. One forward and one back are expected to miss out. Back at Farleigh House, Matt Garvey is out of action with a neck injury. The captain suffered a compression in contact against Exeter Chiefs last weekend and came off for Sam Underhill at half-time but is not expected to be out for long. He could be ready to go for Worcester Warriors in the Premiership at the Rec on November 17. Paul Grant (calf strain) and Cooper Vuna (ankle) are not fit to face Newcastle and are also hoping for mid-november returns to action. Luke Charteris won’t feature at Kingston Park as he does not react well to artificial surfaces. There will be some players back in contention for Bath, however, as they look to end a six-match winless run. Will Chudley, Alex Davies and Miles Reid are all training at Farleigh House and available after their respective head injury assessments in the past fornight. “They’re all good,” said general manager Stuart Hooper, who will lead the coaching team again on Friday night. Tom Dunn (fractured eye socket) is expected to be back soon. Jonathan Joseph (foot) and Jackson Willison (hamstring) are targeting mid-november returns. Aled Brew could be back from his fractured forearm towards the end of the month, with Taulupe Faletau – who suffered a similar injury – eyeing a return in early December along with Rhys Priestland (knee ligaments). Anthony Watson is expected to be back from his Achilles’ tendon rupture early next year, with the prognosis for Beno Obano (knee) later next year.