Wales rise to second in world, England slide after defeat

England flanker Tom Wood has been cleared to face Australia on Saturday after escaping with a warning from the citing commissioner for striking an opponent in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup defeat to Wales. James Hook and Gareth Anscombe, will replace Williams and Amos.

In a statement, subject to World Rugby confirmation, the WRU said: “Following the Rugby World Cup victory against England on Saturday, Scott Williams (knee) and Hallam Amos (shoulder) have sustained injuries that will preclude them from taking any further part in the tournament, and they have subsequently been released from the Wales squad”.

“They’re going for the first big win, won’t hold back against us, and chance of a last scalp for them in the pool stages”, McBryde said of Fiji, which has played well with no reward in defeats to England and Australia.

With back line resources now severely depleted, Gatland has gone for the versatility of Gloucester man Hook and Cardiff Blues’ Kiwi-born Anscombe, who is now fit again after a damaged ankle cost him a spot in the original squad. “What we watched in the last 10 minutes was a confused debate between people who have never been given responsibility to lead and drive the team. There will be no complacency”.

“You cannot dwell on it – I can’t do anything about it. You just move on and go forward”. We’ve got to roll our sleeves up and get stuck in.

“It is a short turnaround to Fiji now. What we did do is allow Wales to stay in the game”, said Lancaster, whose attention has now turned to the crucial weekend encounter with the Wallabies.

England are battling an injury crisis after Ben Morgan, Billy Vunipola, Courtney Lawes, Ben Youngs and Jonathan Joseph became doubts to face Australia at Twickenham, so Wood’s availability has delivered a timely shot in the arm. I was impressed that a couple of players after the game were happy with the win, but not 100 per cent happy with their own performance. “It’s incredibly important to get a result on Thursday, and if we do that we’re in the box seat a bit more”.