PLAYING

MARO ITOJE’S chipped kneecap has given SARACENS clubmate Nick Isiekwe the chance to state his case for an England recall at home to CARDIFF BLUES in the Champions Cup today.

Isiekwe, 20, has not featured for England since being subbed in the first half of his full debut against South Africa in June.

England star Itoje damaged his knee in England’s win over Australia – but still managed to play 70 minutes for his club against Wasps a week later. Today’s other tie sees LEICESTER TIGERS’ George Ford go head to head with Finn Russell of RACING 92.

The England and Scotland fly-halves last opposed each other at Murrayfield in February, when Russell steered the home side to Calcutta Cup glory.

Ford said: “We’ll give it a good crack and hopefully get a result.”