Joe Marler gave England a scare ahead of their World Cup opener against Tonga today when he was unable to take a full part in training. The Harlequins prop is Eddie Jones’ number one choice loosehead, particularly in the enforced absence of Mako Vunipola. He is also the only front rower in the squad that can cover both sides of the scrum. Yet three days before the Pool C clash here inside the space-age Sapporo Dome, Marler is understood to have been restricted to shuttle runs in a key session. It is common practise for England to ‘load manage’ their players in training weeks and it is quite conceivable he will still make selection. But ahead of tomorrow's announcement it is a concern with England so keen to come out of the blocks fast and build early momentum. Better news is that Henry Slade, who missed all four of the warm-up matches through injury, has been passed fit to play. Mark Wilson and Joe Cokanasiga, both of whom nursed knee issues in the early part of the week, have also been given a clean bill of health.
Rugby World Cup 2019,Mark Wilson,Eddie Jones,England rugby union team,
Joe Marler gave England a scare ahead of their World Cup opener against Tonga today when he was unable to take a full part in training. The Harlequins prop is Eddie Jones’ number one choice loosehead, particularly in the enforced absence of Mako Vunipola. He is also the only front rower in the squad that can cover both sides of the scrum. Yet three days before the Pool C clash here inside the space-age Sapporo Dome, Marler is understood to have been restricted to shuttle runs in a key session. It is common practise for England to ‘load manage’ their players in training weeks and it is quite conceivable he will still make selection. But ahead of tomorrow's announcement it is a concern with England so keen to come out of the blocks fast and build early momentum. Better news is that Henry Slade, who missed all four of the warm-up matches through injury, has been passed fit to play. Mark Wilson and Joe Cokanasiga, both of whom nursed knee issues in the early part of the week, have also been given a clean bill of health.
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