Owen Farrell has declared himself on course to lead England in their Six Nations opener in Ireland despite undergoing thumb surgery last weekend, handing Eddie Jones a major boost.
Farrell had an operation on a thumb tendon Saturday, putting into question is participation against the defending champions in Dublin on 2 February. Over the weekend Jones said he was “cautiously optimistic” Farrell would face Ireland but the 27-year-old delivered a more bullish assessment at the Six Nations launch on Wednesday.
In a further boost to Jones, he even expects to take part in England’s first rugby session at their training camp in Portugal, ensuring the disruption to their preparations is minimal. “It’s fine,” he said. “I’m hoping to train the end of this week so should be good. [I was] always told it would be quick. [It was] always was a short turnaround so should be fine. It’s not even a repair, a little thing done to my thumb tendon that releases a bit of pressure of it. [I’m] looking forward to the Six Nations, looking forward to the first game.
“The hand is good. I had something small done to it on the weekend. I should be training towards the end of this week. It was a gradual thing and is something small.” When asked if he expected to play against Ireland, Farrell replied: “I’m confident, yes.”
Jones is similarly positive over his captain’s fitness but it remains to be seen if Farrell remains at fly-half against Ireland or switches back to inside-centre with George Ford coming in at No10. Jones said: “I’m confident Owen’s going to play and we’ve got George there so we’re well stocked for number 10s at the moment.”
Compared with 12 months ago, Jones has far fewer injury problems so close to the start of the tournament but his biggest concern is over Brad Shields, who has a side strain. He is believe to be touch and go to face Ireland. “We anticipate he will be training next week,” added Jones.
Ireland’s head coach Joe Schmidt is confident Johnny Sexton will be fit to face England. Sexton has been sidelined with a knee injury but is expected to resume full training today/on Thursday. “He will train fully and we will then ramp up his training. Our expectation is that he will get through it without any problems. Johnny is confident and the medical staff are confident.”
Wales however, have been far worse hit by injuries before their opening match against France on Friday week. Leigh Halfpenny is expected to out for at least the first two matches due to his ongoing concussion problems while the scrum-half Gareth Davies and the centre Scott Williams are major doubts to face France. Scotland meanwhile, will be without Hamish Watson for the entire tournament due to a broken hand.
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