Prop Will Stuart is poised to return for England's upcoming match against Australia, bolstering the team's scrum after a challenging eight-month recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon. The injury had a significant impact on Stuart's recovery, with the player experiencing sleepwalking episodes at home during the darker months of winter.
Stuart's return is a key component of England's strategy, particularly in the set-piece, where the team aims to establish dominance against the Wallabies. His physical presence, weighing 135kg, is expected to contribute significantly to the power battle at the scrum. The reunited 'Pom Squad' is focused on leveraging their scrummaging power to gain an advantage.
Joe Heyes, a teammate, expressed confidence in the squad's depth, noting, "There's a huge amount of confidence that whoever's going to come on is going to finish the job." This sentiment highlights the team's preparedness and belief in their collective strength, even with key players returning from extended absences.
Stuart, 30, expressed his eagerness to be back on the field. His layoff was described as a "nightmare," but his recovery marks a significant positive for the England team as they prepare to face Australia. Fin Baxter also returns from injury, further strengthening the forward pack for England. His injury, similar to Stuart's, had sidelined him for a considerable period. The team anticipates a strong performance, particularly from their forwards, to secure a favorable result against the Australian team.