England drop Rokoduguni for Argentina as Kruis returns
Semesa Rokoduguni has been dropped by England for Saturday’s international with Argentina, even though he scored two tries against Fiji at Twickenham last weekend.
Fiji-born wing Rokoduguni, in his first Test in two years, crossed in each half as England thrashed the Pacific islanders 58-15 last Saturday.
But he was not included in a 24-man squad announced Tuesday by coach Eddie Jones.
It is the second time Rokoduguni has been dropped immediately after making a Test appearance, the first after he made his debut against New Zealand in 2014.
Jones, speaking before Rokoduguni’s international recall, said: “I want Roko to play 30-40 Tests for England and to do that I’ve got to make sure that what happened to him last time doesn’t happen again.
“I’ve got to manage that player well. I want him to be right to play.”
Alex Goode was also omitted, with Mike Brown set to resume at fullback after missing out against Fiji.
Meanwhile lock George Kruis, who missed the wins over South Africa and Fiji at the start of the Old Mutual Wealth Series, is set to feature against the Pumas after recovering quicker than expected from ankle surgery.
Jones will have to omit one more player when he names his 23-strong matchday squad on Thursday, with one of the five back-rows currently included set to be dropped.
England have won 12 Tests in succession, including all 11 under Australian coach Jones.
England squad to play Argentina
Backs (10)
Mike Brown (Harlequins), Danny Care (Harlequins), Elliot Daly (Wasps), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Bath), Jonathan Joseph (Bath), Jonny May (Gloucester), Henry Slade (Exeter), Ben Te’o (Worcester), Ben Youngs (Leicester)
Forwards (14)
Dan Cole (Leicester), Charlie Ewels (Bath), Jamie George (Saracens), Teimana Harrison (Northampton), Dylan Hartley (Northampton, capt), Nathan Hughes (Wasps), George Kruis (Saracens), Courtney Lawes (Northampton), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Tom Wood (Northampton)
