Six Nations: England handed fitness boost in grand slam bid

ENGLAND have been given a clean bill of health for Saturday's NatWest 6 Nations clash against Scotland with Nathan Hughes on course to start at No 8.
BOOST: England's Nathan Hughes. Picture: David Davies/PA.BOOST: England's Nathan Hughes. Picture: David Davies/PA.
BOOST: England's Nathan Hughes. Picture: David Davies/PA.

Any lingering doubt over Owen Farrell and Joe Launchbury has lifted, the former overcoming an unspecified lower leg injury and the latter available after missing last Friday’s open training session at Twickenham for load management reasons.

Hughes has been proving his fitness during gruelling sessions at England’s Surrey training base after recovering from the knee ligament damaged sustained on Wasps duty in mid-December.

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The No 8 has made one club appearance since returning several weeks ahead of schedule but starts at Murrayfield after Sam Simmonds was ruled out by a shoulder problem.

England assistant coach, Steve BorthwickEngland assistant coach, Steve Borthwick
England assistant coach, Steve Borthwick

“Everyone’s fully fit for selection this weekend,” forwards coach Steve Borthwick said. “Nathan’s worked really hard, really diligently and he looks in really good shape. He’s healed very fast which is great.

“While our strength and conditioning and medical team have worked incredibly hard, the credit has to go to Nathan for the work he’s done while he’s been injured.

“We want to make sure all of our players are ready for Test matches, that’s why we train at the intensity level we train at.

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“Nathan gives us different strengths to Sam. He’s an outstanding ball carrier. His effect on the group has grown.

England assistant coach, Steve BorthwickEngland assistant coach, Steve Borthwick
England assistant coach, Steve Borthwick

“He’s excellent with younger players, helping them mentally. He’s grown as a player in terms of the influence he has throughout as a leader as well.”

Former international Doddie Weir, meanwhile, is backing Scotland to upset England’s Grand Slam bid.

England have held the trophy since 2009 and won the corresponding fixture at Twickenham last season 61-21.

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However, lock forward Weir, who pulled on the Scottish jersey on 61 occasions, is convinced this could be the year it is wrenched from their grasp.

Asked how he saw the game going, he said with a smile: “It’s only one way, isn’t it? History.

“It’s not been a good hunting ground for Scots in the past. They had a bad encounter last year. I just think if it’s going to be any year, it’s going to be this year – I think Scotland might edge it.”