England manager Martin Johnson calls up four new players
England manager Martin Johnson has called up four players to provide cover in the squad, after a number of players picked up injuries while on duty with their clubs.
Joe Marler, Tom Wood, Dan Ward-Smith and Brad Barritt are now added to the panel to play in the autumn internationals.
Harlequins Marler will provide cover for David Wilson. The 20-year-old has impressed for his club side. The prop’s size and ability in the loose was also a factor for his inclusion.
Flanker Hendrie Fourie picked up an injury and he will be replaced by Northampton’s Wood. Veteran lock Simon Shaw will also be missing after he strained a calf muscle. Dan Ward-Smith will come into the squad and will add cover to a number of positions with
his versatility.
One of the most worrying injuries for Johnson was to Riki Flutley. The New Zealand-born player was injured while playing in Wasps Aviva Premiership against Northampton. The centre injured his calf and was substituted in the 37-10 defeat.
The four new players are not expected to start the first game of the autumn internationals against the All Blacks on Saturday 6 November.
England will also face Australia, Samoa and South Africa. The four new inclusions may expect to see some game time against Samoa on Saturday 27 November.
Johnson will be concerned by the number of injuries to key players ahead of the internationals.
The manager is still facing an anxious wait over the fitness of his captain Lewis Moody, and the panel is sure to pick up injuries in what will be a very physical series against the southern hemisphere sides.
The fact that the matches will be on consecutive weekends may see some of Johnson’s four call-ups play in the internationals.
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