Turmoil has gripped the England camp as a mounting injury crisis threatens to derail their preparations for Saturday's crunch Test against Fiji. In a last-gasp move, head coach Steve Borthwick has called in Sale Sharks wing Tom Roebuck to bolster his back-three options, just days after Northampton full-back George Furbank was forced to withdraw with appendicitis.
The squad is reeling from the triple whammy of injuries that have left Borthwick scrambling for solutions. Wing Cadan Murley is nursing a shoulder knock, while Freddie Steward's ankle injury has put his specialist full-back status in jeopardy – leaving only one recognised No 15 in Marcus Smith. It's a crisis situation that could see Freeman thrust into an unfamiliar role or even Caluori taking on the challenge.
The pressure on Borthwick is piling up, with England's last five Test matches ending in defeat – their solitary win this year coming courtesy of a resounding 48-7 thrashing against Wales. Failure to secure a victory against Fiji will only intensify the scrutiny, despite RFU assurances that he'll lead the team into next year's Rugby World Cup in Australia. This match marks England's return to the North West after an 11-year hiatus.
Roebuck's arrival is a shot of adrenaline for Borthwick's plans, particularly given his aerial dominance – a crucial area identified as a weakness following their defeat to reigning world champions South Africa. "They won seven kicks back and we won just two," noted Borthwick, highlighting the difference-maker that handed them field position and pressure.
Meanwhile, Bristol's Benhard Janse van Rensburg is another name on the fringes, his eligibility for a Test cap confirmed after an RFU appeal following five years of residency in the UK. With Caluori also joining Roebuck in bolstering the squad, Borthwick has options aplenty as he seeks to turn England's fortunes around.