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Two-try England winger Rokoduguni dropped

Semesa Rokoduguni has been dropped for England's clash with Argentina on Saturday despite scoring two tries against Fiji.

England's George Kruis
George Kruis looks set to start for England in their Test against Argentina at Twickenham. (AAP)

Rokoduguni marked the end of his two-year international exile by crossing in each half of the 58-15 rout at Twickenham but will still be replaced in the starting XV by Jonny May.

It is the second time Rokoduguni has been axed immediately after making a Test appearance, the first taking place after defeat by New Zealand in 2014 on the grounds of stage fright.

Jones has referenced the need to handle the 29-year-old with care because of the treatment he received at the hands of Stuart Lancaster's regime, only to now discard him for Argentina.

"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," Jones said at the start of the autumn.

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"I want his first Test back to be a game where he plays really well. If he does that, then his career will grow, but if he has another experience like he did in 2014, then he won't play Test rugby again."

Alex Goode has also been omitted from the 24-man squad retained for the visit of the Pumas with Mike Brown poised to return at fullback having been overlooked by Jones last weekend.

The indications from training on Tuesday afternoon are that May will line up on the right wing after being given an extra week to enhance his fitness having spent an extended spell on the sidelines with a knee problem.

On the left wing, Jones has opted to give Daly another opportunity after the Wasps man excelled against Fiji following his successful switch from outside centre.

George Kruis was included among the 24, most likely as second-row partner to Courtney Lawes - with Charlie Ewels on the bench.

Kruis has made a rapid return from ankle surgery and his comeback is well timed, with Joe Launchbury ruled out against Argentina and Australia through suspension.

Tom Wood is present once more and is favourite to oust Teimana Harrison at openside with Chris Robshaw and Billy Vunipola guaranteed starters and Nathan Hughes also in contention.

ENGLAND SQUAD:

Backs: Mike Brown, Danny Care, Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell, George Ford, Jonathan Joseph, Jonny May, Henry Slade, Ben Te'o, Ben Youngs.

Forwards: Dan Cole, Charlie Ewels, Jamie George, Teimana Harrison, Dylan Hartley, Nathan Hughes, George Kruis, Courtney Lawes, Joe Marler, Chris Robshaw, Kyle Sinckler, Billy Vunipola, Mako Vunipola, Tom Wood.


3 min read

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Source: AAP


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