Underhill is set to face New Zealand

Curry’s ankle injury opens the door for Bath Rugby flanker to take on the All Blacks

TOM Curry has been ruled out of the remainder of England’s autumn series by the ankle injury picked up against South Africa – and Bath’s Sam Underhill looks set to take his place for the clash against New Zealand this Saturday.

Sale flanker Curry limped off in the second half of last Saturday’s 12-11 victory at Twickenham and, after having the joint scanned, it was confirmed he is facing an extended spell on the sidelines.

“Tom is not available against New Zealand and has been ruled out of the rest of the series as well,” said forwards coach Steve Borthwick.

With Curry unavailable, England are likely to turn to Underhill, pictured, for the All Blacks game.

“Sam is an excellent player, a really tough defender who hits hard,” Borthwick said. “He’s in great physical shape and unfortunately had an injury last year that ruled him out when he was going well, but he’s an excellent player.”

In only five appearances for his country, Curry has become an automatic pick at openside, the 20-yearold impressing during the summer tour to South Africa and also in Saturday’s win until injury struck.

“Tom injured his ankle and we don’t how long he’ll be out for, but he won’t be back for our next three Tests,” Borthwick said.

“He’s a fantastic young player and we saw that in the game-time he had against South Africa at the weekend.

“He’s got a fantastic future ahead of him. I know that with his attitude he’ll come back in even better shape than he is now.”

England have otherwise been given a clean bill of health.