England centre Jonathan Joseph continued to offer hope that he might be ready for the critical World Cup showdown with Australia after playing a role in training.
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If fit, Joseph is an automatic selection at outside centre and the make-up of England’s midfield hinges on his availability.
But there will be an enforced change at No 8 where Ben Morgan is favourite to replace the unfortunate Billy Vunipola, whose tournament has been ended by injury.
Joe Launchbury will start at lock instead of the injured Courtney Lawes and scrumhalf Ben Youngs is doubtful after hurting his ankle in the Wales match.
“Jonathan walked through this morning with us and is due to train this afternoon. He’s a quality player too”, said England attack coach Mike Catt.
The Rugby Football Union’s chief executive Ian Ritchie watched the session, as did former England flanker and 2003 World Cup victor Richard Hill. Joseph and Barritt started together against Fiji in the opening game of the tournament but George Ford was selected at number 10.
At this crucial juncture, England are fielding new combinations, which is far from ideal.
“Because we’ve had them for three months now, somebody missing a week’s training is not going to dent his confidence”. That’s the beauty about the squad. “They are not living it and doing it and I’m not bothered”.
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“But to do that you have to get the balance right in your preparation”. He also suggested that there was a tendency for people to “underestimate what Brad (Barritt) does for the team”.
