England's preparations for the opening Test of the Autumn Nations Series against New Zealand have been significantly disrupted by a series of late withdrawals. Ollie Chessum, Charlie Ewels, and Tom Roebuck have all been released from the 36-man squad, with Alex Coles, Ted Hill, and George Ford being called up as replacements. Chessum, who was poised to start, potentially on the blindside flank, sustained a knee injury towards the end of England's training camp in Spain. The Leicester forward is awaiting further specialist assessment, and there are concerns he could miss all four of England's November Tests.
Ewels is now undergoing return-to-play protocols after receiving a concussion on Saturday, prompting England head coach Steve Borthwick to review his lineout options. Northampton's Coles and Bath's Hill have now joined the national squad in Bagshot. Theoretically, Saracens' Nick Isiekwe is ahead of both players in the queue for a bench place behind Maro Itoje and George Martin, but Hill, in particular, is in excellent form and could still force his way into the equation.
The improving Roebuck has been making an impact for Sale in the Premiership, but England is equally keen to have the fit-again Ford back in the mix. The fly-half was rested for the summer tour to Japan and New Zealand. When Ford strained a quad muscle playing for Sale at Saracens in late September, it seemed he would not be available for the start of the autumn schedule. However, he is now fully fit and ready to resume training alongside England's other No 10s, Marcus Smith and Fin Smith.
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