Tokyo (AFP)
England, already qualified for the quarter-finals of the World Cup, "has the ability to run" to spare some of its best players against France on Saturday, said defense coach John Mitchell Wednesday in Tokyo.
"We are fortunate to have some depth and we are in a state of mind to be ready to be called at any time," said the assistant coach. "I do not know what the right word is, but we have the ability to run," he added.
The first concerned is the N.8 Billy Vunipola, victim of a "small sprain", according to the coach Eddie Jones, Saturday during the victory against Argentina (39-10) and whose state of health is a concern about the quarter-finals. Jones' deputies who have been in front of the press since Monday refuse to give details on the severity of the injury of the N.8, key element of the XV of the Rose for his ability to carry the ball.
"Billy is progressing," said Mitchell, cautious as his colleagues. "Given his progress, there is the opportunity to consider (he plays) this weekend but as any player, it is also important for us to ensure that he is first healthy, so if there is any risk, we will not take it with him, "added New Zealand.
Vunipola, who will be "definitely back" for the quarter-finals according to Mitchell, should be replaced by Mark Wilson in the center of the third row. Flanker Lewis Ludlam could also take advantage of the rest imposed on the holders of Argentina, perhaps Tom Curry, to integrate the starting XV.
The other concern is captain Owen Farrell, who has been hit twice in the lead by the United States and Argentina, and could be replaced by Henry Slade, who has been out of play since Manu Tuilagi's injury came back. return in the form of George Ford.
Pillar Joe Marler and winger Jack Nowell, who were also affected by the Pumas, trained partially on Wednesday and should be spared.
France and England have to compete for first place in Pool C on Saturday in Yokohama, but the match is threatened by Typhoon Hagibis heading for Tokyo and its region.
© 2019 AFP