England sweating on Fin Smith injury ahead of Ireland clash

England face an anxious wait on the fitness of Fin Smith ahead of Saturday’s Six Nations clash with title-chasing Ireland.

Smith was the only member of Steve Borthwick’s squad to miss training on Tuesday as he recovers from a calf injury.

With only Thursday’s main session left before the Twickenham showdown, time is running out to prove his fitness.

Losing Fin Smith would be a blow for England after the fly-half won his first two caps in his breakthrough season for England, coming on as a replacement for George Ford against Italy and Scotland.

“We have tried to look after him the last couple of days and we are hoping he will be in full training on Thursday. We are looking after him,” England skills and kicking coach Kevin Sinfield said.

If Fin Smith is unable to convince Borthwick on Thursday that he is capable of facing Ireland, Marcus Smith is available to take his place on the bench.

The Harlequins star missed the first three rounds of the tournament because of a calf injury.

But he could challenge Ford for a place in the starting line-up if Borthwick decides changes are needed in response to the 30-21 defeat against Scotland.

“Fly-half is a position where we have plenty of strength so Steve will make that call on Thursday after the session. If everyone comes through on Thursday, Steve has obviously got a headache,” Sinfield said.

“To have Marcus available having not had him available throughout the Six Nations is a big boost for everybody.”

smg/nf

AFP

(NAMPA / AFP)