This weekend, Jonny May will once again be absent from England’s lineup due to the lingering effects of Covid, which are delaying his return to full training. The Gloucester winger did some light running on Tuesday, but he is not expected to play in the second Test against Australia this weekend.
May missed his team’s first loss in Perth due to a positive drug test shortly after he arrived in Australia. He was released from isolation on Friday but has not yet recovered sufficiently to be considered for Saturday’s crucial match at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Billy Vunipola and Jack Nowell both missed training due to minor injuries, but both are expected to face the Wallabies.
Due to Tom Curry’s third concussion in five months, he has already been ruled out of the tour. As a result, Eddie Jones, the head coach, must now determine his best options for a match that could fundamentally alter the series. May’s absence leaves Jack Nowell and Joe Cokanasiga as the most experienced wingers in the squad, but the rapidly developing Henry Arundell and Tommy Freeman are also in the running.
Sam Underhill, Lewis Ludlam, and Jack Willis are three candidates to replace Curry, who flies home on Wednesday, in the back row. Anthony Seibold, the defense coach for England, stated, “Three really good players are competing to replace him.” “When Tom Curry was replaced by Lewis Ludlam on Saturday, Ludlam competed extremely well. This year, he has been an excellent leader for Northampton, and it is evident when he enters camp why he is the club captain.
Jack Willis is excellent with the ball and competes fiercely defensively, while Sam Underhill was one of the World Cup’s most outstanding players in 2019.” He was not chosen for the first Test, but he has performed exceptionally well to be considered for the second. So there are options available. Tom is a significant member of our team, so his departure will be a loss, but also an opportunity for others.
After the summer break, Curry is expected to make a full recovery, according to England’s management. Tom’s health is affected by a longer-term factor,” said Seibold. Recent concussions have occurred to him, so the medical staff would rather err on the side of caution. We have no concerns regarding his medium- and long-term health. He’s dismayed that he’s not staying and can’t play because he’s a competitor, but a longer-term perspective is in play.
