England head coach Steve Borthwick has provided a succinct injury update upon the status of fullback Freddie Steward. <\/p>\n
The Leicester Tigers man sustained an unspecified hand injury towards the end of this evening\u2019s Autumn Nations Series match against Australia, however Steward was not withdrawn from play despite being in some discomfort in the closing stages of the match. <\/p>\n
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\u2019s Summer tour of Argentina and the United States. Steward was selected to reinforce an expected kick-heavy contest against Joe Schmidt\u2019s Wallabies, with plenty of aerial contests witnessed under the lights of the Allianz Stadium. <\/p>\n
In the post-match press conference at the home of English Rugby, Borthwick was asked about the current state of Steward\u2019s injury, and whether he had considered plans to unleash Marcus Smith, Henry Arundell or Cadan Murley in next weekend\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, we\u2019ll have to look at that. I\u2019ve not received any medical reports, so I don\u2019t know the extent of the knock that Fred took there. Obviously with his hand, I\u2019ll make that assessment once I know the full extent of that.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought Fred did really well today. It\u2019s interesting, Australia\u2019s 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.\u201d <\/p>\n
Today\u2019s victory over Australia marks the eighth consecutive win in a row for Steve Borthwick\u2019s 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\u2019s 2027 Rugby World Cup draw. <\/p>\n
EDITOR\u2019S PICKS:<\/p>\n
Three England players Steve Borthwick should drop \u2013 and who should replace them<\/p>\n
ngland have now won\u00a0eight consecutive Tests, a run stretching back to their opening Six Nations defeat in Ireland.<\/p>\n
With Pollock seemingly destined to start, RUCK looks at three changes Steve Borthwick could make.<\/p>\n
#1 Sam Underhill \u2192\u00a0Replacement: Henry Pollock<\/p>\n
A defensive workhorse whose energy and grit are unquestionable, Underhill\u2019s 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 \u2013 who combines pace, power, and scoring threat \u2013 makes Underhill the natural candidate to make way.<\/p>\n
Planet Rugby 6\/10:<\/a> \u201cDidn\u2019t put a foot wrong in a gritty effort. Just rolled up his sleeves and went looking for work.\u201d<\/p>\n Mail Online 6.5\/10:<\/a> \u201cWon 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Rugby Pass <\/a>7\/10: Telegraph 6\/10<\/a>: \u201cLeft bloodied but exacted his revenge with some crunching hits. However, the balance of the back row never felt quite right.\u201d<\/p>\n Replacement \u2013 Henry Pollock<\/p>\n Rugby Pass 8.5\/10: Guardian: RUCK<\/a>: CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n
\u201cOn Roebuck\u2019s shoulder to put Earl in for the opening try of the match. Defensively resolute as ever, but his eagerness did result in letting\u00a0Rob Valetini\u00a0coast 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\u2019s attempt to clear him out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWho else to score England\u2019s 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\u2019s 22. Made a strong case to start, although he was yellow-carded at the death.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPollock, still only 20, looks destined to score plenty more tries on this famous old stretch of grass and clearly relishes the big occasion.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBack 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.\u201d<\/p>\n