England suffer injury blows, Scotland name their captain and Wales have out-half predicaments.
By Declan Whooley
Jonny Sexton’s move to France and Andrew Trimble’s demotion from the training squad are the main talking points from an Irish perspective, but there is more news concerning our rivals.
Similar to Ireland, Scotland have a new (ish) captain, though it has been a less controversial decision than it has been on these shores. Interim head coach Scott Johnson today named back-rower Kelly Brown as their skipper ahead of their opening game in Twickenham this weekend. The 30 year-old captained the Scots in the Autumn Series and retains the armband ahead of the Calcutta Cup clash.
“It’s a while since I’ve played against England. I missed out through injury in last year’s Six Nations and I was sidelined during the Rugby World Cup match in Auckland as well, so I’m really raring to go,” he told the BBC.
Their opponents have been dealt a blow with the news that Manu Tuilagi has been ruled out of Saturday’s game, while prop Alex Corbisiero will miss the entire tournament with a knee injury. Sale prop henry Thomas has been called up as a replacement, while winger Ugo Monye has also joined the panel as cover for Gloucester player Freddie Burns.
Tuilagi was instrumental in the victory over the All Blacks in November and is a contender for the Lions tour, but has been ruled out with an ankle injury. While Irish fans would not shed a tear to see him miss the following game in Dublin, Stuart Lancaster says a decision will not be made until next week.
“Manu has run out of time for Scotland and we’ll make a call on him for Ireland early next week,” he said.
Wales have their fair share of injury problems leading up to the opening weekend, with their second row options in particular looking depleted. With James Hook and Dan Biggar the only recognised out-halves in the 35 man panel, it is a straight shoot-out for the number 10 jersey and former player and current BBC pundit Jonathan Davies thinks the Ospreys man will start against Ireland.
“They will definitely go with Dan Biggar because he has been the form player, but can he bring that regional form to international level?” he said earlier today. We hope he can’t, but time will soon tell.
