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England injury scare over as Jack Willis all but ready to roll

By PA
(Photo by PA)

England flanker Jack Willis is hopeful of being available for Wasps’ Gallagher Premiership clash with Bath after making encouraging progress in his recovery from a hip injury.

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Willis failed to appear for the second half of Saturday’s 34-5 victory over Exeter after being hurt during a pick and go as Wasps pounded away at the double winners’ line.

The 24-year-old could be ready for Friday’s trip to the Recreation Ground, but if he does not recover then the return of Brad Shields will be seen as a timely boost.

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Shields has not played since the opening weekend of the season because of an ankle problem and the England forward is in contention against Bath.

“Jack isn’t ruled out yet, which is positive. He’s still in with a shot for the weekend and hasn’t ruled himself out. He’d love to play and how the next 48 hours go is key,” defence coach Ian Costello said.

“He picked up a bang on his hip and when you get a hit there your back can tighten up, your glute can tighten up. He had a good 24 hours afterwards and that’s usually a decent gauge.

“Brad Shields comes back into the mix, as does Marcus Watson and Matteo Minozzi. If they come through training tomorrow (Tuesday) all three will be available for selection as well.”

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Winger Zach Kibirige was knocked out against Sale on December 27 and although he has passed his return to play protocols, the decision has been made to give him an additional week’s rest.

England prospect Alfie Barbeary on Monday underwent surgery on his high ankle injury and is expected to be out for between six to 12 weeks.

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Nickers 25 minutes ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

I thought we made a lot of progress against that type of defence by the WC last year. Lots of direct running and punching holes rather than using width. Against that type of defence I think you have to be looking to kick on first phase when you have front foot ball which we did relatively successfully. We are playing a lot of rugby behind the gain line at the moment. They are looking for those little interchanges for soft shoulders and fast ball or off loads but it regularly turns into them battering away with slow ball and going backwards, then putting in a very rushed kick under huge pressure.


JB brought that dimension when he first moved into 12 a couple of years ago but he's definitely not been at his best this year. I don't know if it is because he is being asked to play a narrow role, or carrying a niggle or two, but he does not look confident to me. He had that clean break on the weekend and stood there like he was a prop who found himself in open space and didn't know what to do with the ball. He is still a good first phase ball carrier though, they use him a lot off the line out to set up fast clean ball, but I don't think anyone is particularly clear on what they are supposed to do at that point. He was used really successfully as a second playmaker last year but I don't think he's been at that role once this year. He is a triple threat player but playing a very 1 dimensional role at the moment. He and Reiko have been absolutely rock solid on defence which is why I don't think there will be too much experimentation or changes there.

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