Calderwood ready to fill gap left by Smith's injury
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The World Cup is over for two players, but is just about to start for England's Mark Calderwood. The French hooker Julien Rinaldi and the Australian utility back Kurt Gidley have both had their tournaments ended by injury.
Rinaldi, the former Harlequins and Catalan Dragons player, had his cheekbone broken in three places in the victory over Scotland and will need surgery. Gidley, who was one of Australia's substitutes in the victory over New Zealand, has damaged a knee cartilage and will also need an operation. The England coach, Tony Smith, will also announce today that Lee Smith will miss the game against Australia in Melbourne on Sunday, creating a first World Cup opportunity for Calderwood, the winger who has come from Wigan's reserves to the game's global event in the matter of a few weeks.
Smith indicated that other changes will be kept to a minimum, although it would not be a major surprise to see Danny McGuire start. Australia have confirmed Johnathon Thurston will play, despite the murder of his uncle last weekend and a shoulder injury sustained in his man-of-the-match performance against the Kiwis. He has only soft tissue damage and is determined to carry on despite his family tragedy. New Zealand have made three changes in the wake of their thrashing by the world champions. Krisnan Inu comes in at centre for the suspended Steve Matai and David Fa'alogo, and Isaac Luke will be on the bench against Papua New Guinea, with Dene Halatau dropped.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments