Six Nations 2018: Owen Farrell and Joe Launchbury miss training but Anthony Watson fit to return after injury
Watson suffered a leg injury in the 12-6 victory over Wales that triggered a glowing report from defence coach Paul Gustard
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Your support makes all the difference.Anthony Watson was able to take part in England’s annual open training session at Twickenham, but neither Owen Farrell nor Joe Launchbury were present.
Watson was expected to be rested until next week because of an unspecified lower-leg injury, but the British and Irish Lion lined up on the left wing in front of a 10,000-strong crowd.
Farrell, who is also recovering from injury – the details of which have not been revealed – and Launchbury were also absent from the session, which was watched by Prince Harry.
“We’ve had a different week this week. A few guys have been on different programmes just to freshen them up for next weekend,” defence coach Paul Gustard said.
“They’ve been modified in terms of their weight training, conditioning and rugby programme.”
England’s Six Nations title defence resumes against Scotland at Murrayfield next Saturday following successive victories over Italy and Wales.
The champions’ try-line was kept intact against Warren Gatland’s men in one of the best defensive displays of the Eddie Jones era, and Gustard had sensed the performance was coming.
“At times we had to fight and show resilience. Wales found a bit of space in the backfield to put kicks into and that’s something for our backfield cover to look at,” Gustard said.
“The general feeling was that there was a good energy about us. Defence isn’t always perfect but that kind of feeling the players had... we felt on it all week.
“Our training performance on the Monday and Tuesday leading into the game were exceptional and that translated into Saturday.
“The effort was outstanding and obviously the result was brilliant.”
The highlight of the victory was Sam Underhill’s stunning try-saving tackle on Scott Williams when Wales trailed 12-3 and their fightback was fully under way.
“Sam was on the floor, he slipped and his fight to get back on to his feet is great, but we train for those moments,” Gustard said.
“We train hard, we train tough and there was plenty of effort in the game. That moment just looked nice because it was close to the corner flag and it was a pivotal moment in the game.
“There were times in the game when the boys went over and above and there were huge tackle counts from people like Mako Vunipola. So we are really pleased.”
PA
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