McConnochie’s England debut in doubt

Ruaridh McConnochie’s England debut may be delayed further due to him suffering muscle soreness prior to Saturday’s encounter against Wales.

The Bath winger had been due to face Warren Gatland’s side in last weekend’s reverse encounter at Twickenham, which England won 33-19, only to miss out with a hip problem.

Head coach Eddie Jones said McConnochie’s issue is not the same as the one that saw him sit out last time around, but his chances of playing at the Principality Stadium are in doubt.

“Ruaridh pulled up a bit sore today so we’re not 100 per cent sure how he’ll be,” Jones said on Friday.

“We’ll find out later tonight. It’s not the same injury. He’s just sore, so we’ll find out about it.”

NEXT STOP: CARDIFF @George_Fordy and @J_cokanasiga talk you through preparation for Saturday’s match against Wales.#WearTheRose @O2Sports pic.twitter.com/JFFE4rc3v4

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) August 15, 2019

There was better news on the progress of Mako Vunipola, though, with the Saracens prop close to returning from the hamstring injury he sustained towards the back end of last season.

“Mako did a bit of extra work at the end of training today, a bit of contact work. A bit of defence work. He should get some time next weekend against Ireland,” Jones added.

KEO.co.za News wire is powered by opta