"Dombrandt and Mercer snubbed" - England confirm replacement for injured Jack Willis
Rugby NewsSunday, 08 October 2023 at 13:04
England's Rugby World Cup squad is set to welcome Bath's Sam Underhill, who will step in as a replacement for flanker Jack Willis.
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Willis had to withdraw from the tournament due to a neck injury suffered during the 71-0 victory over Chile. The frontrunners were believes to be Tom Willis, Alex Dombrandt and Zach Mercer.
Back in July, Underhill was initially omitted from England's squad, with Tom Willis and Tom Pearson initially favored as back-row options. However, they failed to secure a spot in the final Rugby World Cup roster.
Notably, Underhill played a significant role in England's journey to the World Cup final four years ago.
His partnership with Tom Curry, affectionately known as the "Kamikaze Kids" during Eddie Jones' tenure as England coach, played a crucial role in their semifinal victory over New Zealand in the 2019 tournament.
Despite his past successes, Underhill's international appearances have been limited recently, with a series of injuries preventing him from regular game time since July 2022.
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"A howler" - Four England players Steve Borthwick must drop, and who should replace them for quarter-final
#1. Jonny May
Telegraph 4/10: "May brought energy as ever but there was also the customary chaos. Out of position for Samoa’s second try, leaving Steward to scramble in vain."
Rugby Pass 4/10: "It was his break that scattered the Samoan defence on 18 minutes in the lead-up to the infringement that gave Farrell his points record, but that was about it for him on the ball and he will instead be remembered for ineffectively clinging onto a leg of the tr-scoring Ah-Wong minutes later. England need a hurry up in this position, with May not looking the part."
RUCK 4/10: "We’re uncertain why he continues to be selected over the lightning-fast Henry Arundell, Seemed to spend the whole afternoon running sideways"
Replacement: Henry Arundell
#2. Alex Mitchell
Telegraph 5/10: "Executed a sublime first-half turnover which sent George clear; only the slightest of Tumua Manu knock-ons saved his bacon after a skewed box-kick looked to have handed Samoa their third try."
RUCK 4/10: "Delayed around the breakdown, constantly putting England under pressure."
Planet Rugby 5/10: "The scrum-half was very lucky a Samoan try on the back of his poor box kick was ruled out. A great player on the front foot but one that could improve when managing the game when under pressure."
Replacement: Danny Care
#3. Dan Cole
Telegraph 5/10: "Scrummaged his socks off, as is his wont, but will not enjoy some of the defensive review, where he was palpably off the pace."
Rugby Pass 5/10: "It started off as his sort of game, England on the front foot and the prop clearing breakdowns and enjoying the scrum. However, once Samoa got possession and shifted it about, he was left flagging and was pulled eight minutes into the second half despite a chunky tackle count."
Replacement: Kyle Sinckler
Kyle Sinckler of England looks to offload during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#4. Owen Farrell
Telegraph 4/10: "England’s captain led admirably in defence, became his country’s all-time leading point-scorer - ending Jonny Wilkinson’s 22-year reign - but he was rusty. The shot-clock gaffe was a howler."
Replacement: Ollie Lawrence
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