MY ACCOUNT
Eddie Jones says England are now treating coronavirus cases to key men “as normal” after Ellis Genge was ruled out of Saturday’s Test against Australia.
Genge, who had been named in the XV against the Wallabies, has tested positive for COVID-19.
Uncapped Sale prop Bevan Rodd, previously set for a bench role, instead comes in for his full debut, while Jones has called up Trevor Davison of Newcastle Falcons to his replacements.
There is still no place for Mako Vunipola.
Genge joins Joe Marler in missing this game due to COVID, while captain Owen Farrell was absent against Tonga before his test result was revealed to be a false positive.
England confirmed Genge had immediately gone into isolation and no other players or staff had returned positive results.
“We treat it as normal now,” Jones said as England continued their preparations.
“Every day is an adventure and we’re on a bit of a rollercoaster at the moment. COVID keeps coming, we just accept it and get on with it.
“I was watching the players come through this morning. Some are disappointed for Ellis, others are angry, others just want to get on with it.”
England have won seven consecutive matches against the Wallabies, their best winning run in this fixture.
Another England victory would see them nudge ahead of Australia in all-time meetings, with the sides having won 25 apiece and drawn the other of their 51 encounters.
