England flanker Tom Wood to learn citing fate
Monday 28 September 2015 10:01, UK
Flanker Tom Wood will find out on Monday if he is to be cited as England's Rugby World Cup campaign enters a decisive week.
Head coach Stuart Lancaster also has injury concerns over No 8s Billy Vunipola and Ben Morgan, lock Courtney Lawes, scrum-half Ben Youngs and centre Jonathan Joseph ahead of a crunch game against Australia which he admits is now "knockout rugby".
Wales' stunning 28-25 victory at Twickenham has left the hosts' World Cup quest teetering on the brink of collapse, with their hopes of making it through the pool stages now resting on the outcome of Saturday's clash with the Australians.
The plan of naming the side early in the week is likely to be abandoned as the medical team works to restore to fitness.
Adding to the problems that have mounted at a critical juncture is a disciplinary question mark over Wood for an incident that forced Wales full-back Liam Williams from the field with concussion.
Wood, who has apologised to Williams, will know by Monday morning if he must face a hearing, while Lancaster has reported a mixed outlook on his wounded quintet.
"I would say 50-50 for all three of Billy, Courtney and Ben Youngs, although with Ben maybe slightly better, so let's call it 60-40. It's very early still," Lancaster said.
"We're optimistic on Ben Morgan. With Joseph we are going to have to wait and see how he trains or if he can train on Tuesday.
"We want to give Joseph the best chance possible because if he was fit, he'd be a guy we want in the team."
Williams was concussed and carried from the pitch after being struck on the head by Wood's shin when the Northampton flanker attempted to kick a loose ball towards the Welsh line.
"It's something I'm not proud of but there was no intent there," Wood said.
"It's hard to watch when someone is in that condition on the floor. We all take our turn at that. I'm sorry for the outcome 100 per cent."
