Lawes available for England again

Tue, Mar 8, 2011, 1:00 AM
AAP
by AAP

Highly-regarded lock Courtney Lawes said he was available for selection for England's Six Nations match against Scotland on Sunday after recovering from a knee injury that ruled him out of their first three matches.

The 22-year-old Northampton star - capped eight times - told Monday's edition of The Times that if England manager Martin Johnson needed him he would answer his call.

"If he (Johnson) wants me, I am ready," said Lawes, who played all 80 minutes of Saints surprising 30-9 defeat to Exeter on Sunday.

"There is no doubt that the knee is fine. I think I played fairly well."

Lawes, who was outstanding in the November tests against the southern hemisphere sides, has been out since January 8.

England are the sole side remaining who can win the Grand Slam - which would be their first since 2003 - after beating Wales, Italy and 2010 champions France.

Share
Waiaria Ellis is ready to face one of her idols, Ruahei Demant. Photo: Getty Images
From idol to rival: Ellis ready for date with Demant
Lock Fabian Holland comes into the starting XV in place of Patrick Tuipulotu. Photo: Getty Images
All Blacks replace Tuipulotu with Holland as stars cleared for Springboks Test
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi will miss the first Test against New Zealand in Johannesburg. Photo: Getty Images
Springboks captain Kolisi to miss first All Blacks Test
Wallabies feeling pressure as Kiss cooks up Cup 'pie'