INJURY SCARE
England fly-half Marcus Smith struggling with leg injury ahead of Autumn Internationals and is a doubt to face Tonga
MARCUS SMITH is an injury doubt for England's game against Tonga.
The golden-boy of English rugby is struggling with what Boss Eddie Jones called "a minor leg injury" ahead of the opening autumn international at Twickenham on Saturday.
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Already England will definitely be without Raffi Quirke (knee) and Max Malins (calf) and there are also fears over the fitness of winger Louis Lynagh.
But speaking of superstar fly-half Smith, Jones said: "We are being conservative with him. The last call we will make is 48 hours before the game.
"He hasn't done much this week, just a bit of ball handling. We're being conservative with him but we're cautiously optimistic that he'll be right to play.
"We’re not desperate. We’re never desperate. But we are keen for him to be involved in the game.
"It’s not frustrating, it’s part and parcel of preparing a team, players pick up small knocks, and he’ll recover well.
"If we don’t get to see him this week we will get to see him next week."
Jones will draft in Owen Farrell as his no.10 if Smith doesn't make it.
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And speaking of the other bumps and bruises, he added: "We have a few injury updates - Max Malins and Raffi Quirke came in with injuries and won't be in consideration for Tonga.
"Louis Lynagh also came in beaten up and we are cautiously optimistic as Marcus Smith and Freddie Steward have minor leg injuries."
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