England head coach Steve Borthwick has provided a succinct injury update upon the status of fullback Freddie Steward.
The Leicester Tigers man sustained an unspecified hand injury towards the end of this evening’s Autumn Nations Series match against Australia, however Steward was not withdrawn from play despite being in some discomfort in the closing stages of the match.
Borthwick selected Steward to start in the 15 shirt following a tremendous return to form in the Summer, as the Tigers man hit his stride across England’s Summer tour of Argentina and the United States. Steward was selected to reinforce an expected kick-heavy contest against Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies, with plenty of aerial contests witnessed under the lights of the Allianz Stadium.
In the post-match press conference at the home of English Rugby, Borthwick was asked about the current state of Steward’s injury, and whether he had considered plans to unleash Marcus Smith, Henry Arundell or Cadan Murley in next weekend’s match against Fiji. Borthwick gave no indication upon his plans for next week, with the need for a full injury assesment required before evaluating his plans for the 15 jersey.
“Yeah, we’ll have to look at that. I’ve not received any medical reports, so I don’t know the extent of the knock that Fred took there. Obviously with his hand, I’ll make that assessment once I know the full extent of that.
“I thought Fred did really well today. It’s interesting, Australia’s tactics effectively, middle of the pitch there, just straight away going contestable, off nine generally, and I thought Fred, in difficult conditions, I thought Fred did really well.”
Today’s victory over Australia marks the eighth consecutive win in a row for Steve Borthwick’s side, with England putting right their arduous Autumn Series defeat to the Wallabies from last year. The 25-7 win was a solid statement of intent from England, with upcoming Autumn Tests lined-up against Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina set to determine their World Rugby ranking ahead of December’s 2027 Rugby World Cup draw.
EDITOR’S PICKS:
Three England players Steve Borthwick should drop – and who should replace them
ngland have now won eight consecutive Tests, a run stretching back to their opening Six Nations defeat in Ireland.
With Pollock seemingly destined to start, RUCK looks at three changes Steve Borthwick could make.
#1 Sam Underhill → Replacement: Henry Pollock
A defensive workhorse whose energy and grit are unquestionable, Underhill’s eagerness cost England at a key moment, allowing Rob Valetini through a gap. While he redeemed himself with a crucial turnover, the emergence of Henry Pollock – who combines pace, power, and scoring threat – makes Underhill the natural candidate to make way.
Planet Rugby 6/10: “Didn’t put a foot wrong in a gritty effort. Just rolled up his sleeves and went looking for work.”
Mail Online 6.5/10: “Won England the penalty from which Ford gave them the lead with trademark breakdown work and nice link play to Ben Earl who scored. Bloodied from battle.”
Rugby Pass 7/10:
“On Roebuck’s shoulder to put Earl in for the opening try of the match. Defensively resolute as ever, but his eagerness did result in letting Rob Valetini coast through a gap at one stage. He made amends a few phases later with a penalty won in his own 22, clasping onto the ball despite an Australian’s attempt to clear him out.”
Telegraph 6/10: “Left bloodied but exacted his revenge with some crunching hits. However, the balance of the back row never felt quite right.”
Replacement – Henry Pollock
Rugby Pass 8.5/10:
“Who else to score England’s second try? Pollock loves the big stage, and he came up with the goods when England were in a bit of a rut in the second half. Produced some strong carries in his second England appearance, showing he is a handy option at No.8, and even added a penalty over the ball in Australia’s 22. Made a strong case to start, although he was yellow-carded at the death.”
Guardian:
“Pollock, still only 20, looks destined to score plenty more tries on this famous old stretch of grass and clearly relishes the big occasion.”
RUCK:
“Back in England colours with bright blonde hair and big impact. Scored his third Test try after recovering from a tap tackle and dotting down with style. Energetic and effective in defence too.”
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