JOE LAUNCHBURY gave England a fitness scare ahead of the First Test against South Africa.
The Wasps lock was nursing a calf injury in training and was put through a fitness test by the Red Rose physios.
If Launchbury, 27, comes through the week then he will win his 53rd cap against the Springboks at Ellis Park.
But England are already without locks Courtney Lawes, George Kruis and Charlie Ewels.
So they will need all the firepower they have in the engine room to face the Springboks on Saturday.
If Launchbury misses out on the First Test in Johannesburg then that will likely see boss Eddie Jones pick an all-Saracens second row of Maro Itoje and Nick Isiekwe.
Scrum coach Neal Hatley said: ” Joe has just got a small niggle on his calf and we’ll see where he gets to with that, other than that everyone is fit and ready to go.
“It’s hard to tell how much of a doubt he is, we’ll have a look at what he’s done this morning. That will be ongoing.”
England will also have to change up their front row after leaving tighthead prop Dan Cole at home.
So the battle for the no.3 shirt will be between Lions star Kyle Sinckler and Exeter Chiefs man Harry Williams.
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And Hatley added: “They’ve both been very good. We’ve been doing live scrums in training and they’ve both got the bit between their teeth.
“Harry is disappointed by the fact he didn’t get the opportunity to play in the Premiership semi-final or final, but he’s lost some weight and has kept himself trim and in good nick.
“This is exactly what we want, two young tighthead fighting for that spot. Both of them are fairly explosive blokes. They’re good scrummagers.
“You saw the job Sinckler did against France, maybe his point of difference is his ball carrying. He’s done well carrying the ball against France and Ireland.
“Harry is a big man who hits hard, cleans out well, a good defending. They have different strengths.”
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