Spencer set for WC role

Scrum-half Ben Spencer is set to be named on England’s bench for Saturday’s World Cup final in place of the injured Willi Heinz. Heinz was one of only two scrum-halves named in England’s World Cup squad for the Japan spectacle but he picked up a hamstring injury after coming on as a 63rd-minute replacement in the semi-final win over New Zealand. The 32-year-old will remain with the squad until the end of the tournament but his place on the replacements bench for the final against South Africa will be taken by Saracens’ Spencer, who has three caps to his name. Eddie Jones has other injury concerns ahead of the meeting with the Springboks, with wing Jonny May and captain Owen Farrell both suffering dead legs in that win over the All Blacks. Wing Anthony Watson is also being monitored after he was regularly seen receiving treatment during the semi-final while prop Kyle Sinckler, who has enjoyed a superb tournament, has tweaked his calf. Jones will be hoping to field the same pack that impressed during Saturday’s victory, with Maro Itojo, Tom Curry and Sam Underhill receiving huge plaudits for their efforts.