Hartley’s bid to take on Scots in finale
DYLAN HARTLEY is back in the England camp this week to continue his recovery from a knee problem and is expected to feature in the late stages of the Guinness Six Nations.
Eddie Jones’s long-time captain hasn’t played since December, and the coach admitted he may ultimately require surgery to clean up wear and tear in the joint. No timescale for a comeback has been confirmed, though the hooker could be available by the time Scotland visit Twickenham for the Six Nations finale.
His presence in the camp before Sunday’s clash with France at Twickenham suggests the 32-year- old remains in Jones’s plans, despite Jamie George making great strides to establish himself as the country’s first- choice hooker in the run-up to the World Cup this autumn.
Hartley was co- captain with Owen Farrell during the autumn — even retaining that role when he was among the replacements for the final fixture against Australia. In his absence, Farrell was sole captain for Saturday’s momentous 32-20 victory over Ireland and appears destined to lead England into the World Cup.
Meanwhile, with Wasps flanker Brad Shields fit after a side strain, Chris Robshaw has been unable to secure an immediate recall to the England squad following his comeback for Harlequins. However, he is another veteran who remains in the management’s thoughts.
Forwards coach Steve Borthwick said: ‘It’s great to see him back playing. His work-rate when he played last week against Saracens was phenomenal. ‘He’s a really experienced international and a glue player. We are always watching him and staying in contact. ’ Mark Wilson, the incumbent at blindside, has left Shields and Robshaw facing a massive task to oust him. The Newcastle man inspired a monumental English defensive display in Dublin, making a record-breaking 27 tackles and acting as a vocal leader. Wilson kept telling his teammates how much fun he was having, smashing back the big Irish ball-carriers time after time. ‘ We spoke during the week about enjoying those encounters,’ he said. ‘It’s something I know I and a lot of the lads enjoy — when your back’s against the wall and you’ve got to fight for your team-mates.
‘It was enjoyable to go up and hit things and do it again and again. That’s what you aim to do in defence. That’s something I enjoy about the game.’ France will arrive at Twickenham with a set of massive forwards and a point to prove after they threw away a 16-0 lead to lose at home against Wales. ‘I’m ready to get stuck in again this week,’ said Wilson. ‘They are a big pack. You’ve got to exploit that. It’s important that you stay away from their strengths. If you get into an arm-wrestle with them, it’s going to be a tough day.’ Centre Ben Te’o and wing Joe Cokanasiga are back from injury and Saracens lock, Nick Isiekwe has joined the squad after Maro Itoje damaged knee ligaments.