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Distraught England fans take to Twitter to lament Lawes injury
By
Josh Raisey
After a humbling defeat to Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, England have been dealt further bad news as Courtney Lawes will miss the rest of the Six Nations with a calf injury.
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The second-row limped off in the second half at the Principality Stadium, and looked to be in a lot of discomfort.
England fans were obviously not happy about this news, but were particularly aggrieved as Lawes was displaying some of the best form of his career before the injury.
The 30-year-old was making the second start of the Championship, after filling in for Maro Itoje, who was injured against Ireland. He was monumental against France at Twickenham, showcasing some of his crunching tackles.
He was equally as impressive in the first half against Wales, as he spearheaded a belligerent English defence that were getting on top of the Welsh attack.
It has been well documented that Lawes has put on weight in recent months, and that seems to be paying dividends. He has remained mobile around the field, whilst increasing his physicality in contact. That is why so many fans are disappointed to see him miss out, however, they are aware that the priority still remains to be fit come the World Cup at the end of the year.
https://twitter.com/paccrash/status/1099931543550771200
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https://twitter.com/Stephen91314828/status/1100004382614138880
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https://twitter.com/joeypharris/status/1099771971162828801
https://twitter.com/alexshawsport/status/1099763953675186178
Written and filed before “hurry Itoje back” quotes, but only more apt now, I think. At least open it and read the six points for calling up Kpoku before dismissing it out of hand. https://t.co/a6WPXZMuQV
— Alex Shaw (@alexshawsport) February 25, 2019
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England’s resources are being tested at the moment, particularly with Itoje in absentia too. Fortunately for England fans and Eddie Jones, they still have some of the best locks in world rugby at their disposal, and this is the position that they are the most blessed in.
A lot of fans expect Joe Launchbury to step up to replace Lawes and partner George Kruis in the second-row. The Wasps captain is a different player to Lawes, but is instrumental nonetheless. He is unlucky to not start for England every game, but he will have the opportunity to prove to Jones what an asset he is.
Meanwhile, some fans are hoping that Itoje will be fit for the visits from Italy and Scotland in the final rounds of the tournament. The Saracen is close to recovery, and his return would help England’s fortunes regarding injuries. One fan has also called for Saracens and England under-20 star Joel Kpoku to get a chance against Italy after a barnstorming start to his career with the Premiership champions.
While Lawes is a huge miss for England, it is clear the fans have the confidence that he can be replaced.
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