England centre Jonathan Joseph doubtful for Wales clash

“But we’re under no illusions about what a tough, tough test this is going to be and we wouldn’t want it any other way”.

“Jonathan has a bit of a knock, nothing too serious and our medical staff are working extremely hard behind closed doors to get him fit for selection”, England backs coach Andy Farrell told reporters at England’s training base in Bagshot, southwest of London, on Tuesday.

England have four specialist centres with Brad Barritt and Sam Burgess – usually inside centres – alongside Joseph and Exeter’s Slade in the 31-man squad.

Farrell also revealed that No 8 Ben Morgan – who did not train on Monday – has a bang on the knee but stressed that the injury “isn’t serious at all“.

“It doesn’t get much better than this, it’s pinnacle of the game and to be a part of it his fantastic – I’m enjoying every moment”, he said.

ROSS MORIARTY has experienced an up-and-down autumn with Wales but after making his Rugby World Cup debut on Sunday the flanker is ready for more highs in the coming weeks, writes Will Piper.

“What we saw against Fiji we’ve seen all along from Sam. We know what he brings”, attacking skills coach Catt said.

Burgess is in contention for promotion from the bench after impressing as a final-quarter replacement in the 35-11 victory over Fiji in Friday’s World Cup opener at Twickenham. “We know the game we want to play and impose ourselves”, Farrell said.

Wales’ depleted squad suffered a further injury blow yesterday when centre Cory Allen was ruled out of the entire tournament with a hamstring injury picked up during his hat-trick display at the weekend.

He has played numerous times for Wales and is a British and Irish Lion.

He referred to the 54-9 victory in their opening match against Uruguay and said: “We now need to look to the rest of the group and particularly this Saturday’s match”.

Stoke-born Brookes, who joined Northampton Saints from Newcastle Falcons at the end of last season, came off the bench in the second half to make his World Cup debut. “We’re still waiting for our team talk from him!”

“Everyone has been looking forward to this for years now”.

While the game was in the bag with several minutes to go, it was only in the very final play that Billy Vunipola scored the all-important fourth try to snatch the extra point.

“Obviously, there is a lot of pressure on them (England), but I am sure they will rise to it, as we will rise to it, going to Twickenham“.