By Michael Wise
England v Scotland, RBS 6 Nations, Twickenham, Saturday February 3, KO 4pm
England's preparations for the RBS Six Nations have taken a turn for the worse after both Iain Balshaw and Lewis Moody suffered injuries during training.
Ahead of Saturday's opening match against Scotland at Twickenham, starting full-back Balshaw has suffered a groin problem, while back-row replacement Moody sustained an injury to his left shoulder.
With both players' fitness to be reassessed on Thursday, Gloucester's Olly Morgan has been called up to act as cover for club-mate Balshaw, while Wasps flanker Tom Rees is on standby for Moody.
But new head coach Brian Ashton does have options, and assuming Balshaw does not make the starting XV then Josh Lewsey - currently pencilled in on the right wing - could move to a position he knows well at Test level.
Furthermore, Newcastle's Mathew Tait could come off the bench to complete a rejigged back division.
Morgan and Rees have been selected to play for England A against Italy A in Exeter on Friday, and will still likely take part in that match should Balshaw and Moody come through.
| (-12) England 10/11 H'cap draw 16/1 (+12) Scotland 10/11 - Click here for odds on this and every match in the Six Nations with Sky Bet |
| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| England | |
| Saturday 29th November | |
| International Match | |
| 14:30 | England vs New Zealand |
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| England | |
| Saturday 22nd November | |
| International Match | |
| England 6 - 42 South Africa | |
| Saturday 15th November | |
| International Match | |
| England 14 - 28 Australia | |
| Saturday 8th November | |
| International Match | |
| England 39 - 13 Pacific Island | |
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