Broken toe: Toby Flood
England fly-half Toby Flood has been ruled out of Saturday's match against New Zealand due to a broken toe.
Flood was substituted in the second half of last Saturday's loss to South Africa by Owen Farrell, but was also temporarily replaced in the first half and missed two crucial kicks at goal.
The Leicester stalwart's injury is not as bad as initially expected, but it will prevent him from recovering in time for the game against the All Blacks.
England's most capped current player with 54 caps, Flood will now be replaced on Saturday by either Farrell or Gloucester fly-half Freddie Burns, who was called up to the squad on Sunday as injury cover.
The other major concern for Stuart Lancaster is prop Alex Corbisiero who picked up a knee injury against South Africa, but there is no word yet on whether he will be ruled out of Saturday's game.
Comments
rugby_rockstar says...
I hope freddy gets at least 30 minutes. (personally I'd give him the whole 2nd half) let's just take a look at his game management when he's got Ritchie McCaw in his face. Its a nothing game now so let's try stuff. I can;t see wales beating australia by over 15 pts so there's nothing to lose as far as england goes.
Posted 16:53 27th November 2012
Houston_11 says...
I think Burns has been pretty good this year... but what about George Ford? I've not seen much of the Tigers this season. I assume with Flood in this squad originally he's been starting most games.
Is Ford ready for this level yet? Or even the Saxons? Every time I have saw him he's been great.
Based on those in the squad, I'd give Burns a go as well. But I do not rate Biggs at all.
Posted 13:53 27th November 2012
heart_of_oak says...
Against the ABs, we might just as well play Barbara Cartland as Freddy Burns. It won't make much difference to the result.
But having said that, Burns has some flair, Farrell has none. So it might make for a more entertaining game if we did pick Burns.
We have to forget about picking France based players. In any case, Wilko has retired from international competition, hasn't he ?
This isn't the game for Sharples either. Stick with Brown on the wing. As for Corbs, I don't think we should risk him. Start with Vunipola.
Posted 09:15 27th November 2012
1st58 says...
Farrell should not even be in the England squad - God help us.
Posted 22:37 26th November 2012
Nastyned says...
My Saffa mates were worried when Farrell came on early in Saturday's game, they rate him much more than Flood.
Posted 21:08 26th November 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
ABs will crucify Sharples. Stick with Brown + Goode. Anyhow it's men against boys. My guess is around 700 caps Vs 100?? 700 AB caps Vs 100 England ones.... ooooouuuucccchhhhhh!!
Posted 20:50 26th November 2012
melkdave says...
Explains why he missed those 2 penalties ,IF only theu had gone over,what a different game we would have had ,and most probily celabrating a victory imo.As for the NZ game ,bit harsh imo,to throw F.Burns straight into the deep end ,but might be an excellant call,either way win or lose if Burns starts ,lets not get carried away ,he needs time to fnd his feet at international leval ,like everyone else.
Posted 19:25 26th November 2012
jmanngod says...
64 caps? Not sure I have ever seen him play.
Posted 17:59 26th November 2012
stumpy says...
Big blow for England. I would personally replace him with Freddie Burns who has been the form player in the preimer league, instead of Farrell.
Posted 16:48 26th November 2012
TVaddict says...
Well in light of this injury and the call ups wouldn't it be great to have:
9) Care
10) Burns
11) Biggs
12) Tuilagi
13) Joseph
14) Sharples
15) Brown
Heck, we might even score a try with these guys.
Posted 15:15 26th November 2012
chancer says...
At last, a pity that his selection has only occured because of injury. England would not win a WC with Flood or Farell at 10.
Posted 14:59 26th November 2012
sirtidychris says...
Think im more worried about Vunipola and Wood, although the idea of Farrell starting isn't great...personally i'd have sheridan and Burns starting.
Posted 14:51 26th November 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
Corbi is a concern. Sherridan. Burns; wrong game to start even on bench. wait for 6 nations. Johnnie Wilko needs to help his country on Saturday. If he can put his hand up for Lions he can help out in this case as a one off.
Posted 14:32 26th November 2012