The Breakdown | England need to unearth World Cup core despite derby friction and injury chaos

England rugby head coach Steve Borthwick is facing a mounting injury crisis ahead of the opening November Test against Australia, with fly-half Fin Smith sidelined by a calf injury at a critical selection period. Midfield candidates Seb Atkinson and Bernhard Janse van Rensburg are also unable to train, while Bath flanker Guy Pepper picked up an injury against Gloucester. The upcoming Nations Championship matches against Australia and Japan are seen as key opportunities to establish a settled World Cup core, despite the disruption.