England count the cost after epic win
INJURY UPDATE: England have called up Saracens scrumhalf Ben Spencer as emergency cover for next week’s World Cup final after Willi Heinz was ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Heinz came on as a second-half replacement for Ben Youngs in England’s 19-7 upset of defending champions New Zealand but suffered an injury that will sideline him from Saturday’s final.
“Heinz injured his hamstring during England’s semi-final win over New Zealand last night. He will remain with the squad until the end of the tournament,” an England statement said.
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Spencer took part in one of England’s training camps in Italy and has won three international caps, but was overlooked by England coach Eddie Jones in his final 31-man squad.
The 27-year-old, who helped Saracens capture an English Premiership and European Cup double this year, will be fast-tracked to the bench for the final in Yokohama, with no other scrumhalf cover available for Youngs.
England will face the winner of Sunday’s semi-final between Wales and South Africa in next weekend’s final.
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