Ollie ready to step up for Tuilagi
WORCESTER’S STAR CAN TAKE ENGLAND CHANCE
OLLIE LAWRENCE was last night thrust into the void left by Manu Tuilagi – and backed to offer England the midfield “X- factor” they crave.
Ahead of the six- match autumn campaign, coach Eddie Jones is auditioning for a replacement for Tuilagi, who is ruled out for six months with a ruptured Achilles.
Lawrence is only 21 but his Worcester boss Alan Solomons said: “Ollie has tremendous ability. His genetics are outstanding.
“He is very strong physically and has fantastic feet. He has that little bit of special X- factor about him.”
The Birmingham- born centre has started only 10 Premiership games and Solomons acknowledges that, even without Tuilagi, England are not short of options.
The 26- man squad for their mini- training camp includes midfield trio Fraser Dingwall, Joe Marchant and Tom de Glanville, 20- year- old son of former Red Rose captain Phil.
Jonathan Joseph and Henry Slade, with 79 caps between them, are unavailable and sure to feature in the upcoming campaign.
But Solomons said 15- and- ahalf stone Lawrence “offers something a little bit different”. A week today
England name their team to play the Barbarians and then move on to their Six Nations finale in Italy.
“The focus is to raise the standard as we continue our preparation for Italy,” said Jones, who sprung a major shock by omitting in- form scrum- half Ben Spencer.
England have been assured the Government’s decision to add Italy to the UK quarantine list will not affect their plans.
Jones’ men play in Rome on October 31. The squad and staff have been granted exemptions, but not the RFU blazers. Ireland, with a game in hand, can deny both England and France the crown but will be without Lions lock Iain Henderson.
The Ulster captain was banned for three games for his red card against Ospreys and will miss the matches against Italy on October 24 and France a week later.
Wales boss Wayne Pivac has replaced Sam Warburton as breakdown and defence coach with Gethin Jenkins, the country’s second- most capped player.
Lions great Warburton said: “With a new addition to my family and business interests away from coaching, I can’t devote the time needed in the role.” * uncapped players