England's Tom Wood set to be fit for Wales clash - but may not start
Wednesday 8 February 2017 13:56, UK
Tom Wood looks set to be passed fit for Saturday's Six Nations clash with Wales in Cardiff - but is not certain of selection.
The Northampton veteran sustained a shoulder injury in the 19-16 victory over France and departed Twickenham with his arm in a sling and has been unable to train with the squad since.
The 30-year-old is expected to take a full part in Thursday's session, but could be demoted to the bench following a below-par display against Guy Noves' men.
"We haven't made our final selection call but Tom will take a full part in training tomorrow [Thursday]," Gustard told Sky Sports News HQ. "[His training programme] was modified yesterday just to protect his injury but he will be good to go tomorrow.
"Wednesday evening is when we meet to make our final selection calls. That's when we'll decide what is our best 23."
Dropping Wood would expose a rookie back row stripped of the injured Chris Robshaw and Billy Vunipola to a daunting encounter at the Principality Stadium.
Jack Clifford is the likely choice to replace the Northampton captain at openside, joining Maro Itoje and Nathan Hughes in a loose trio that possess only four Test starts in the positions between them.
Wales, however, could field Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau, who hold a combined total of 147 back-row starts.
Clifford missed the Six Nations opener against France because of a chest injury but has been restored to full fitness, displacing Teimana Harrison from the 23.
James Haskell is set to continue among the replacements as he regains match fitness after recovering from toe surgery.
"We've got a few options. Whichever back row we go for in the end will be competitive and we think will be the right 23 for Wales," Gustard said.
"Obviously Tom's got a lot of caps, but I think it's important, as we've said from February 2016, that week by week we'll pick the best 23 for the next game.
"We said last week about Maro, the number on your back puts you in a certain position at the set piece.
"After that you're a rugby player and for anyone in the back five of the scrum that means tackling, cleaning out and for some of them to carry.
"Jack can do all those things whether he's got a six, seven or eight on his back."
England will name their starting XV for the trip to Cardiff on Thursday morning, with Jack Nowell poised to replace Jonny May on the right wing.
