England have ruled out scrumhalves Alex Mitchell and Archie McParland from Sunday’s autumn opener against Australia at Allianz Stadium, deepening the problems the team faces at No.9.
Head coach Steve Borthwick has already lost first-choice five-eighth Fin Smith to a calf strain, and Smith is still racing to recover in time for the Wallabies’ visit. Mitchell and McParland have now joined him on the sidelines.
Injuries force squad changes
Mitchell damaged his hamstring while playing for Northampton against Gloucester on Saturday. He will undergo a scan, which puts his availability for the second phase of the Nations Championship in doubt. McParland missed the 28-14 victory at Franklin’s Gardens with a calf problem he sustained during England’s training camp last week.
Borthwick has called up Ben Spencer and Harry Randall to fill the vacancies in his 36-man squad. Both players will compete for backup roles behind Leicester’s Jack van Poortvliet, who reclaimed the No.9 jersey over the summer and was set to contest the starting place with Mitchell against Australia.
England have also added Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Seb Atkinson to the squad. Both have proven their fitness after recovering from hamstring and knee problems, respectively.
Smith faces a Wednesday deadline
Smith has until Wednesday to prove he can direct the team in the Ella Mobbs Trophy showdown. If he cannot prove his fitness, England will turn to George Ford, Marcus Smith or Charlie Atkinson.
Tour schedule and Borthwick’s comments
After facing Australia, England will play Japan and New Zealand on successive Saturdays. The Nations Championship finals weekend follows on 27-29 November.
“These fixtures take on added significance this autumn as they represent our final opportunity to face southern hemisphere opposition before next year’s World Cup,” Borthwick said.
“Facing Australia next Sunday is an exciting challenge. They have played a significant amount of Test rugby in recent months and we know the quality and experience they will bring.”