Tom Wood cleared to face Wales but faces being dropped by England coach Eddie Jones
Jack Clifford is pushing for a start at openside flanker that would leave England lacking experience in the back-row
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.England have cleared Tom Wood to participate in Saturday's RBS Six Nations clash against Wales - but the veteran flanker is not assured of a starting place.
Wood sustained a shoulder injury in the 19-16 victory over France, departed Twickenham with his arm in a sling and has been unable to train with the squad since.
The 30-year-old is expected to take a full part in Thursday's session, but could be demoted to the bench following an ineffective display against Guy Noves' men.
"Tom's hurt his shoulder and is in modified training to protect him, but he's still up for selection this weekend," defence coach Paul Gustard said.
"Wednesday evening is when we meet to make our final selection calls. That's when we'll decide what is our best 23."
Dropping Wood would expose a rookie back row stripped of the injured Chris Robshaw and Billy Vunipola to a daunting encounter at the Principality Stadium.
Jack Clifford is the likely choice to replace the Northampton captain at openside, joining Maro Itoje and Nathan Hughes in a loose trio that possess only four Test starts in the positions between them.
Wales, however, could field Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau who hold a combined total of 147 back row starts.
Clifford missed the Six Nations opener against France because of a chest injury but has been restored to full fitness, displacing Teimana Harrison from the 23.
James Haskell is set to continue among the replacements as he regains match fitness after recovering from toe surgery.
"We've got a few options. Whichever back row we go for in the end will be competitive and we think will be the right 23 for Wales," Gustard said.
"Obviously Tom's got a lot of caps, but I think it's important, as we've said from February 2016, that week by week we'll pick the best 23 for the next game.
"We said last week about Maro, the number on your back puts you in a certain position at the set piece.
"After that you're a rugby player and for anyone in the back five of the scrum that means tackling, cleaning out and for some of them to carry.
"Jack can do all those things whether he's got a six, seven or eight on his back."
England will name their starting XV for the trip to Cardiff on Thursday morning with Jack Nowell poised to replace Jonny May on the right wing.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments