English Premiership first, with wins this weekend for Exeter over Gloucester, Irish over Newcastle, Wasps over Worcester, Leicester over Saints (just) and Quins ruining Sarries unbeaten record. Those coming into form at the right time, with Eddie Jones squad announcement due on Wednesday 13th January 2016, were Chris Robshaw (Brian Moore calls him the form blindside in the Prem), Mako Vuinopola and Tom Youngs in front row, Thomas Waldrom in back row, George Ford and Ben Youngs as half backs and Mike Brown and Anthony Watson in back three. Good news also that Manu Tuilagi returned after 15 months out and put in a massive tackle on Courtney Lawes to prevent a try. Bad news that Jack Nowell and Joe Launchbury sustained injuries, casting a doubt over their participation in the Scotland 6 Nations opener, and Dylan Hartley's fitness also looks in doubt as he recovers from a rib injury.
In European Champions Cup, there were wins for Ulster over Oyonnax, Racing Metro over Glasgow, Stade Francais over Munster and Toulon over Bath (just). In Pro 12, Scarlets won a close one against Connacht to go top of the league, with Leinster in 2nd, Edinburgh in 3rd and Connacht in 4th. In terms of other 6 Nations form, George North looked sharp for Saints, but Owen Williams was injured playing for Leicester and looks a doubt for the tournament as fly half cover for Wales.
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| We await Eddie's squad with baited breath |
Full review of England's squad announcement on Wednesday.
Currently unavailable: L Cowan-Dickie (Exeter), A Corbisiero (Northampton), K Brookes (Northampton), D Attwood (Bath), M Lees (Exeter), E Slater (Leicester), D Ewers (Exeter), C Clark (Northampton), M Williams (Leicester), H Slade (Exeter), J May (Gloucester), C Wade (Wasps).
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