England ahead Maro Itoje has been handed match forward of England’s essential Six Nations encounter with Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday afternoon.
The second-row, who begins alongside Charlie Ewels had suffered an sickness in a single day earlier than Friday’s captain’s run with Saracens teammate Nick Isiekwe ready within the wings to exchange within the squad with Joe Launchbury able to step off the bench.
However, on Friday England coach Nick Proudfoot had been ‘very optimistic’ that the 54-cap man could be handed match on account of the truth that it was not COVID associated.
There have been fears round COVID within the camp this week with forwards coach Richard Cockerill testing constructive earlier within the week, lacking the Twickenham check this weekend consequently.
Scrum coach Proudfoot spoke to the media on Friday to allay fears of Itoje’s absence earlier than his health was confirmed on Saturday, simply hours earlier than the sport.
He stated: “Maro was just a bit bit sick in a single day, so we’re simply giving him the chance to recuperate, we’re simply cautious right now with him, however we’re actually optimistic he shall be effective tomorrow.
“I don’t suppose he has a examine he must undergo. It’s extra of a precautionary factor that he we didn’t get him to coach. But, as I stated, we’re very optimistic he’ll get to play.
“Charlie [Ewels] and Joe Launchbury ran within the second row [at training on Friday]. We have Chessum within the squad as twenty fifth man, so he ran there as nicely, and we have now Nick Isiekwe on standby.
“So we’re nicely coated, these gamers have been within the group proper the best way via the competitors.”
Despite the excellent news, it has not been splendid preparation for England in what is a vital Six Nations match, with any defeat ending England’s title hopes.
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/maro-itoje-fitness-verdict-ahead-6793572
