Injury update: It's BAD NEWS for Marcus Smith and England

RUCK’s 2024 Guinness Six Nations content 

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The anticipated starter against Italy, Smith sustained the injury during Monday's training session. As a result of his absence, 21-year-old Fin Smith from Northampton, currently in good form, will make his international debut from the bench at the Stadio Olimpico.

England's head coach, Steve Borthwick, provided an update, stating, "Marcus went back to England on Thursday and will undergo further investigations later this week. He won't be available next week. We're not sure exactly when. Hopefully, he will play in the latter part of the Six Nations, but it will be a number of weeks. We'll know more next week."

The challenges for England multiply as they are already missing key players in the midfield, with Owen Farrell and Joe Marchant unavailable, and Ollie Lawrence and Manu Tuilagi nursing injuries.

The retirement of Courtney Lawes and the absence of the injured Tom Curry in the back row, along with Jonny May's retirement, have left voids to be filled.

In response to these setbacks, Borthwick has introduced several new caps in the matchday 23, a notable development analysed by England legend Will Greenwood.

See Greenwood, who was writing for the Telegraph's, review of the five debutants.

The 24-year-old Northampton back has been involved in 10 previous England camps and claims a position filled by Manu Tuilagi during the World Cup.

Greenwood wrote: "I think he’s the best midfield player of the lot. The key word there is ‘player’. He can manipulate defences, find edges. He’s a young fella who’s had to find a different way to get over gain-lines because he’s not a Manu or an Ollie Lawrence.

"People like that are invaluable. If Borthwick wants someone who can go to a gain-line and pick the right option, he’s the one midfielder who’ll do that. I was lucky to have a coach who picked me on what I could do rather than what I couldn’t. Dingwall will need the same conviction."

A talented mixed martial artist, Auckland-born Roots gave up a promising career in Brazilian jiu-jitsu to pursue his rugby dream.

His playing career began at North Harbour, before signing with the Crusaders in 2020. A move to Europe in 2021 saw him play for Ospreys, before joining Exeter Chiefs ahead of the 2023-24 season. Eligible through his English father, Roots’ impressive performances in the Gallagher Premiership for the Chiefs earned him a place in Steve Borthwick’s England squad for the Guinness Men’s Six Nations 2024.

Greenwood wrote: "An old-school six, bit of a throwback if you want an enforcer. Dave Ewers will be thinking: “Finally, someone recognises the importance of smashing things.”

"He has a bit of edge with Kiwi written all over him. Within minutes of watching him, you appreciate why the All Blacks have been so good for so long. He’s a clever ball-player as well as an abrasive operator."

Fin Smith began playing rugby aged four at Shipston on Stour RFC.

Rugby runs in the family as his Grandad was capped for Scotland and went on the 1955 Lions tour. Smith featured for England at U20 level, playing a key role in their 2021 Six Nations campaign.

His performances for Premiership side Northampton Saints have earned him a call up to Steve Borthwicks squad for the 2024 Guinness Six Nations.

Greenwood wrote: "Fin has turned up at Northampton quietly. He rarely seems to miss a kick. He controls the game really well. He’s more George Ford than Marcus Smith but he can fizz his passes. With the right balance, he could be a fine England 10.

"He probably deserves more of the conversation than he’s getting, but has let his performances do the talking."

Cardiff Rugby’s academy signed the wing ahead of the 2020-21 season and he made his debut in the first round of the Pro14 Rainbow Cup. Academic reasons caused him to relocate to Birmingham, where he enrolled at Aston University.

Feyi-Waboso joined Wasps in February 2022 before they entered into administration, going on to sign for Exeter Chiefs later that year. He became a regular starter in Devon, where his electric pace and work rate caught the eye of England Men’s head coach Steve Borthwick. In January 2024, he was named in a 36-player 

Greenwood wrote: "The man of the moment. Felix Jones, the England defence coach, will need to support him. At club level, he’s been able to turn and scramble back after being outflanked. At Test level, Damian Penaud will be away.

"He’s excellent on the kick-chase and smashes players in defence. A bit like Sevu Reece and Jack Nowell, he can give you short yardage around the ruck. Forwards love wings like that."

Capped for England at U20 level, Chandler Cunningham-South joined the London Irish academy in 2022 and made his Gallagher Premiership debut for the side against Bath in May that year.

The following season Cunningham South made 19 Premiership appearances, earning a call-up to the England U20 Men’s squad for a second year running.

He featured in the squad for the 2023 U20 Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship, before signing with Harlequins ahead of the 2023/24 season. In January 2024, Steve Borthwick named Cunningham-South in his Senior Men’s squad for the Guinness Men’s Six Nations for the first time.

Greenwood wrote: "He burst onto the scene with some epic performances for London Irish and I didn’t realise how young he was: just 20.

"He carries hard and strong for a young boy. He might not yet have found the same form at Harlequins yet – he was shut down a bit in the Champions Cup games – but the talent is there and he’s a big physical asset who senses opportunity. He can handle and would be a nice foil for the tight-five guys that Borthwick is likely to pick."

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