England hit back over Sinckler jibe

England have accused Warren Gatland of “stirring the pot”, after the Wales head coach branded Harlequins tighthead Kyle Sinckler “an emotional time bomb”. Gatland, who coached Sinckler on the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand in 2017, highlighted the player’s fiery temperament as a potential fault line in the England squad following incidents in each of the opening games against Ireland and France.

Scott Wisemantel, the England attack coach, hit back at such suggestions, noting that if Wales were to target Sinckler, it would only play into England’s hands.

“If they target him then they’re leaving 14 other blokes to do their jobs so good luck with that,” he said. “We saw in the Australia game [in November] that Kyle has a quick wit and can refocus very quickly.

“That’s the way he plays. Do you really want to take that away from someone? I don’t think so. He knows how to control himself and I don’t think it’s an issue. It’s probably Warren trying to stir the pot.”

Sinckler, who was reminded of “rugby’s values” by referee Nigel Owens, after tugging at the head guard of France back-row forward Arthur Iturria, has become a valued member of the front row, and featured in all three Lions Tests under Gatland.

“He’s awesome and brings great energy to the team,” said Courtney Lawes. “Kyle pushes it to the limit and you need players like that. It inspires the players around him.”

England have strike weapons across the field with Jonny May looking to add to his impressive tally of four tries in two games.

“We periodise Jonny’s week as the Ferrari,” said Wisemantel. “The Ferrari gets put in the garage, we put the covers on and give it a good grease and oil change and that gives him a good visual for his week.”