Six Nations 2014: England wing Jonny May prepared for second broken nose in a week ahead of Scotland clash
May was forced off early in the defeat to France last weekend after suffering a broken nose but admits it could very well happen again if he takes a whack on Saturday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jonny May accepts breaking his nose for a second game in succession when England play Scotland on Saturday is a strong possibility.
May will take his place on the left wing of an unchanged starting XV after being given the all-clear to play at Murrayfield despite incurring a undisplaced fracture to his nose against France.
The Gloucester rookie lasted only eight minutes of the 26-24 RBS 6 Nations defeat in Paris after colliding with the knee of team-mate Mike Brown.
Withdrawn from the Stade de France as a precautionary measure, a specialist subsequently cleared him for the trip to Edinburgh, where he is expecting a recurring problem to strike once again.
"I've broken my nose in the past and I've had a few knocks on it recently. It was waiting to go almost," May said.
"I will probably get a smack on the nose early in the Scotland game, but it's sore most of the time anyway. It gets hit in most games!
"If that happens it might bleed, in which case I'll go off and get it treated and go straight back on if I can.
"At least we're aware of what it is this time. I'm not worried about it."
May has ruled out the need to wear a protective face mask at Murrayfield and, despite the brief duration of his second cap, he enjoyed every second of it.
"I wasn't fazed by the occasion and was relishing the environment," the 23-year-old said.
"There was no point getting down in the dumps about the nose when I didn't know what the situation was. Luckily enough there was a positive outcome.
"It wasn't particularly painful at the time - it's just that there was so much blood and the doctor wasn't too sure of what it was.
"In terms of trying to protect me, he made the decision that I wouldn't go back on because he was worried that I might have fractured by cheekbone or eye socket."
It is the first time in Stuart Lancaster's two-year reign as England head coach that the same starting XV has been retained for successive matches.
England were crushed by their late defeat at the Stade de France, but have been consoled by a spirited performance full of attacking intent that was worthy of a different outcome.
"We want the team to build on the display against France and use that defeat as motivation," Lancaster said.
"It's a second chance for this team. Having reviewed the game there were a lot more ups than downs. We have to trust the players to get the win this time."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments