Jones backs Haskell to take second chance

England coach Eddie Jones says a shot at redemption will be enough to launch James Haskell back into the England team for next month's Six Nations.

James Haskell.

James Haskell has been tipped by coach Eddie Jones to return to the England fold. (AAP)

Eddie Jones insists the prize of a second chance could propel James Haskell back into the England team for their Six Nations title defence.

The No.7 position is shrouded in uncertainty with Tom Curry ruled out until late March by a fractured wrist and Sam Underhill yet to play since being concussed against Australia in November.

Haskell was a permanent fixture in the back row for Jones' first year in charge before a toe injury resulted in a slump in form and his last England appearance was against Ireland last March.

The 32-year-old is intent on a Test return, claiming last week he can "still do a job" after "getting right back up there to my best" and Jones agrees.

"Every game he's played for Wasps he's got a little bit better. He trained well this week, showed plenty of energy," Jones said at the squad's two-day camp in Brighton.

"Sometimes the second chance is something that creates a bit of momentum in the player, so we'll wait and see how he gets on."

A date for Underhill's return has yet to be set due to the persistent symptoms he has been suffering since being knocked out against the Wallabies.

"It's ongoing return to play for concussion. You never know - he could be right tomorrow," Jones said.

"Rugby treats these things seriously, which it should. We'll just have to wait and see.

"We've got plenty of options at seven. We have Haskell and Gary Graham, who has impressed at this camp.

"We can always push Chris Robshaw across if we need to. We're not short of options."

Manu Tuilagi is three matches into his comeback from knee surgery, the latest setback of an injury-blighted four years, but Jones insists more club outings are needed before he is considered for the Six Nations.

"Manu is a guy we've continually got our eye on. I went to watch him play for Leicester specifically on Sunday. He's got some work to do," Jones said.

"We've worked with Leicester and he just needs some good training time and game time. Then we'll appraise him."


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Source: AAP


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