LONDON (Reuters) - A week ago England coach Stuart Lancaster was luxuriating in his myriad midfield options but, after a horror weekend on the injury front, he is down to the bare bones for the daunting Six Nations opener against Wales.
Despite the sparkling form of Bath duo Kyle Eastmond and Jonathan Joseph, Lancaster hinted last week that he would stick with the security of tackler extraordinaire Brad Barritt, possibly reunited with his 2014 Six Nations partner Luther Burrell, with Owen Farrell providing cover for the 12 and flyhalf positions from the bench.