Hartley And Daly Doubtful For England Finale Against Ireland

London, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Mar, 2018 ) :Dylan Hartley and Elliot Daly are now doubtful starters for England's clash with newly-crowned Six Nations champions Ireland, having seemingly been given the all-clear to play in Saturday's match at Twickenham.

England defence coach Paul Gustard insisted earlier Wednesday that hooker Hartley (calf) and wing Daly (foot) had recovered from their respective injury problems and were available for selection.

But following training on Wednesday, an England spokesman said medical checks had placed a question mark against the duo's availability. England have now put their scheduled team announcement back several hours to 1300 GMT Thursday in a bid to give Hartley and Daly as much time as they possibly can to regain full fitness for a match that will see Ireland bidding to complete a Grand Slam.

Hartley, England's first-choice captain, missed England's 22-16 defeat by France in Paris last Saturday, a result that ended their hopes of a third straight Six Nations title, with a tight calf while Daly suffered his injury setback during the match.

As well as the injury uncertainty over two key players, England faced problems of another sort on Wednesday with coach Eddie Jones forced to apologise after a video emerged in which he made derogatory remarks about both Ireland and Wales.