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Speaking on Sunday at the Wales team base, assistant coach and defence specialist Shaun Edwards confirmed there is potential for fresh injury setbacks.

There had been fears the 28-year-old could be cited after his shin connected with Welsh fullback Liam Williams’ head 14 minutes from time as the back-row forward attempted to hack a loose ball towards Wales’ line.

It was a win – and a bonus point win at that – but, in truth, that’s about all that can be said for England as they fluffed their lines on the opening night of the World Cup.

Burgess’s selection is likely to prove highly controversial, especially as Burrell was ever-present in the last two Six Nations.

This should have been Cipriani’s World Cup – he only had one shot at it. He’ll be 31 by the time the next one comes around.

Saints star Tom Wood will captain England in their World Cup warm-up match against France at Twickenham on Saturday.

Five Saracens players have been named as part of an experimental England side which will face France at Twickenham in a World Cup warm-up match.

Thirty-six cap Wood has previously led England during their tour of Argentina in 2013, and he will now do likewise in his side’s opening Rugby World Cup warm-up match.