"Not Available for the Weekend" - Richard Wigglesworth Provides England Injury Update for Six Nations Match with Wales
Six Nations 2024Tuesday, 06 February 2024 at 15:02
England assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth has provided an update on the team's injury list. Wigglesworth is hopeful to see the return of Ellis Genge to the squad this weekend, as England take on Wales at Twickenham in the second round of the 2024 Six Nations.
RUCK’s 2024 Guinness Six Nations content
The loose-head prop pulled out of England's match against Italy in the pre-match warm-up, after aggitating a previous foot injury. Genge was picked amongst the replacements to take on the Azzurri and was replaced by Bath prop Beno Obano. Wigglesworth is hopeful to see Genge return to the pitch as England host Warren Gatland's side on Saturday.
Ellis Genge of England speaks to Richard Wigglesworth, Coach of England during the England Rugby Training Sessions at The Lensbury Hotel, Teddington, London on 26 Jun 2023 (Photo: George Beck/PPAUK)
"Ellis took some part in training today and we are hopeful that he is available for the weekend. But we obviously got to get through the rest of this week."
An update has also been provided on Marcus Smith, after the fly half was seen hobbling out of England's training camp in Girona on crutches. Smith missed the opening match of the Six Nations due to the injured calf, with Wigglesworth not expecting the Harlequin to return any time soon.
Marcus Smith of England during the Summer Nations Series Rugby match between Wales and England at Principality Stadium on August 5, 2023 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
"It looks like it'd be further back-end of the tournament, if we get him back. Yeah, it's not, it won't be in the next couple of weeks."
"Marcus has an incredible attitude. He was gutted but we were gutted as well.We know he's an international quality players. We are blessed in that position because we've got George Ford and Fin Smith, but that doesn't distract from what a top player he is and the impact he potentially would have had.
"His attitude was 'I'll just come back better', which is what he was doing for Harlequins before he came in. I've no doubt that if we see him later in the tournament or if it's after that then he'll come back in put his hand up like he did.
Ollie Lawrence of England during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
The last two England players currently on the road to recovery, are Leicester Tigers forward George Martin and Bath centre Ollie Lawrence. Wigglesworth provided the additional updates on the trajectory of their returns.
"George Martin is in this week to rehab with us, not available for the weekend. Ollie Lawrence potentially coming in, end of this week, maybe next week."
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia), replaced by Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Owens said: "For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner."
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: "How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
"I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
"When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem."
Outside-centre: Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: "Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
"A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch."
Inside-centre: Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand), replaced by Owen Farrell (England)
Owens praised Farrell as a player on numerous occasions.
On one occasion he wrote: "I can only speak from my own experience of refereeing him and, when I did, he was an excellent captain to deal with.
"I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a person. He always knew where the line was with me.
"I would say to him that he could always come and talk to me as long as it was at the right time and in the right tone and he always did that."
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: "When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
"But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
"He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that."
Fly-half: Dan Carter (New Zealand), replaced by Dan Biggar (Wales)
Owens said: "He’s so focused and so passionate about what he’s doing, we’ve had a few run ins on the pitch down the years.
“I mean, it’s always been in a respectful way as we always have a drink and a laugh after the game.”
Scrum-half: Agustin Pichot (Argentina), replaced by Dwayne Peel (Wales)
Owens said: "I used to love watching Dwayne Peel in his prime as a scrum-half for those few years between 2004-06 with Wales, the Lions and Llanelli. Talented, a great guy, he also has a house just up the road from me!"
Loosehead-prop: Gethin Jenkins (Wales)
Owens said: "He rarely smiles but has been a terrific player at loose-head prop. When I’ve penalised him and he’s smiled, I know I’d got the decision right!
"But, suffice to say, he hasn’t smiled often when I’ve refereed him. Another who has stood the test of time, which speaks volumes about his ability and character."
Hooker: John Smit (South Africa), replaced by Rory Best (Ireland)
Rory Best of Ireland during the Summer International match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on the 24th August 2019. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK.
Tighthead-prop: Phil Vickery (England)
Owens said: "I always had a lot of time for him, found him a decent man, a good player to referee. He wasn’t one of those who would whinge at decisions, he would accept the call and get on with it.
"As a player, at his peak with Wasps during their European runs and with England in 2007, he was a formidable force.
"Just about edges out Carl Hayman, another great player and a pretty honest one as well. When he got it wrong and I penalised him, he would accept it."
Lock: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
Owens said: "A man of few words, he does his talking on the field with his actions. Not only is he a brilliant player and a very good captain but I don’t think I have reffed a match where he hasn’t given absolutely everything."
Lock: Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
Owens said: "Quite simply he was just an exceptional leader. I have been in charge of games where he pretty much carried his team, whether it was Munster or Ireland, almost on his back and onto victory."
Blindside-flanker: Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Owens said: "My choice as the best skipper I encountered may raise a few eyebrows, but what a captain Dusautoir was. He unfailingly put his body on the line throughout his career — recall the 38 tackles he made when France knocked the All Blacks out of the 2007 World Cup — led by example and understood the game very well.
"Also, he was exemplary in the way he conducted himself.
"There were never any complaints from him over refereeing, not even when borderline decisions went against France. When his team were crushed 62-13 by New Zealand during the 2015 World Cup, he wasn’t tempted to blame anyone.
"He acted as a true leader should act."
Openside-flanker: Chris Robshaw (England), replaced Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
Owens included Chris Robshaw on his list of best captains.
Known for his exceptional work rate and leadership skills, Robshaw was a dynamic flanker who made a significant impact on the field. He enjoyed a successful club career with Harlequins, where he played for over a decade. Robshaw's dedication and commitment to the sport earned him numerous accolades and the respect of his peers.
Owens said: "Some people will be surprised at this one to start off. His misfortune was perhaps to be leading England during a difficult time, but he always gave everything for the cause, encouraging others to follow suit, and he was a nice guy off the pitch."
Number 8: Sergio Parisse (Italy)
Owens said: "I’ve been fortunate to have refereed some tremendous No.8s during my career but Sergio is tops. He’s such a talented player and rarely has a bad game.
"Maybe there’s a tendency to try and do too much because he’s been in an Italy or Stade Francais team which hasn’t been at its best, but he’s been extraordinary."
Can you name every player to score a hat-trick in the Six Nations?
In the thrilling world of the Guinness Six Nations, there's nothing quite like the euphoria of bagging a hat-trick.
This extraordinary feat is as scarce as they come, with only 20 players accomplishing the remarkable three-try milestone since the Championship expanded to six nations in 2000.
Notably, a couple of players have even pulled off this astonishing feat twice, adding an extra layer of prestige to their rugby prowess.
Now, take a moment to rewind and test your memory. Can you recall the names of these exceptional hat-trick heroes?
If you manage a perfect score, you'll undoubtedly be entitled to a celebration on par with the jubilant antics witnessed by some of the stars on this illustrious list.
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