England hope for triple injury boost amid warning over ‘violent’ New Zealand backlash

England head coach Steve Borthwick hopes to have Seb Atkinson, Ollie Chessum and George Furbank in contention for next weekend’s Nations Championship showdown with New Zealand.

Atkinson, Chessum and Furbank all picked up issues against Australia last weekend, with Feyi-Waboso ruled out for the rest of the autumn with an ankle injury sustained after a hip-drop tackle from Wallabies prop Angus Bell.

“Progressing well,” Borthwick said when asked about Atkinson, Chessum and Furbank.

“They all ran yesterday [Friday] on an individual basis to the levels they can. We’re still hopeful that they’ll be able to be in contention for selection next week.”

Major shock: New Zealand were beaten by Wales for the first time since 1953 in Cardiff

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Captain Maro Itoje is aware of the threat that New Zealand possess and said they remain a world-class team despite their humbling 35-28 defeat at the Principality Stadium.

“It will be a huge step up,” he said. “New Zealand are a world-class team. We’ve had some great battles with them over the years. They’re right up there with the toughest teams to play.

“Obviously they’re going to want a response, and we want to show where this team is going, so it’s going to be a very hotly-contested game.”

Japan boss Eddie Jones, meanwhile, warned former side England over the brutal fate that may await them against the wounded All Blacks.

“They’re violent after losing,” Jones said. “Very violent, very physical. They’ll be massively disappointed with their performance against Wales.

“New Zealand will be back to their old selves next weekend – hard, tough and physical around the breakdown.”