Will Joseph poised for England chance against Japan after Feyi-Waboso injury

Gloucester's Will Joseph is poised to get his chance for England against Japan on Saturday, after an injury to winger Manny Feyi-Waboso, according to The Guardian.

Feyi-Waboso came off with an ankle injury at half-time in England's game against Australia. He is one of three players sidelined for the Japan match, along with Seb Atkinson and George Furbank. That leaves a gap on the wing, the outside edge of the back line, where players are usually the fastest runners and often finish off moves with tries.

Joseph is 24 and can play on the wing or in the centre, the inside pair of the back line who handle the ball in close contact. He was a travelling reserve, a squad member who goes along as cover, for the Australia game last weekend. He is also a player with history in the England set-up. His only cap to date, meaning his only appearance for his country, came in the closing minutes of England's Test win over Australia in Brisbane in 2022.

That debut was given by Eddie Jones, who now coaches Japan's Brave Blossoms. Joseph also has a famous family name in English rugby. His brother Jonathan was a regular in England's midfield for years.

Other players in the squad who could compete for the back-three places include Cadan Murley, Joe Marchant, Noah Caluori and Tobias Elliott. Head coach Steve Borthwick and assistant Kevin Sinfield will pick the side, and the choice on the wing is the one to watch.

For Joseph, the call-up would be a second chance at a first real run in the side. For England, it is a matter of finding cover without losing the shape of the back three. A player who can cover both the wing and the centre gives the coaches more options if another knock comes along during the game.