Kyle Sinckler has had to feel his way into this Rugby World Cup, after suffering a chest injury on the eve of the tournament.
The Bristol prop had enjoyed his most niggle-free pre-season ever, only to pick up a worrying issue in the final preparations.
He was able to shake off the problem just in time to make England’s 33-man squad but has admitted it had been touch and go.
England look to have taken a shrewd, measured approach to Sinckler’s workload in the tournament, allowing him the chance to feature and force his way back to full sharpness while also not throwing too much his way.
Veteran Leicester tight-head Dan Cole started against Samoa, giving way to Sinckler almost 10 minutes into the second half in Lille on Saturday.
Sunday’s quarter-final might just be the time when Sinckler can show he is back to his fully unencumbered best. And England could well do with his all-court abilities for this do-or-die clash. Sinckler’s fine ball-handling skills specifically could weigh heavily in selection calls this week.
The 30-year-old adds an important and subtle extra dimension to England’s attacking structure, with his ability to disguise the destination of his passes. He can deftly switch between a tip to a forward team-mate on the gainline, or a drag-back to a playmaker in the pocket.
Such variety adds an important layer to what remains England’s best attacking structure. England will surely look to start Sunday’s last-eight battle with the kind of ferocity and intensity that punctuated the opening of their fine pool-stage win over Argentina.
Ellis Genge and Jamie George will doubtless be the other front-row personnel charged with setting an uncompromising tone from the off in Marseille.
