England Grand Slam defence hopes hit by injuries

England must launch their Grand Slam defence without three first-choice forwards – and face question marks over four more.

Joe Launchbury has joined Billy and Mako Vunipola on the sidelines after sustaining a calf injury that will rule him out of at least the RBS 6 Nations opener against France on February 4.

The Vunipola brothers are suffering from knee problems but while Billy will struggle to play any role in the tournament, it is hoped that Mako will figure at some point.