If the sight of Henry Slade proving his fitness before the opening stanza of the Autumn Nations Series on Saturday was a boost for the national head coach, Steve Borthwick, there was only more pain for the out-of-sorts Chiefs as they endured a club-record sixth successive league defeat.
Slade, playing his first game since mid-July after shoulder surgery, was busy on both sides of the ball and played 54 minutes before being whistled ashore. England are desperate to pick him in their midfield against New Zealand if possible and the chances of him performing some kind of role against the All Blacks have duly been enhanced.
A six-day turnaround is far from ideal but Slade stressed afterwards that he would be available for selection. "It's an exciting week," the 31-year-old said. "I look forward to putting my best foot forward and hopefully I'm involved."
Exeter's director of rugby also confirmed Slade reported no post-match problems with his shoulder. Rob Baxter said: "For a guy who's been out as long as he has, he looked pretty good, didn't he? He got some good game minutes into him and he's come off without injury. He looked a little bit rusty but that's to be expected."
This story is from the October 28, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 28, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Patience finally snapped at Old Trafford after bosses grew tired of the excuses
There were plenty of times over the past 14 months when sacking Erik ten Hag would have been justified but Manchester United clung on in the hope he could somehow turn things around.
Ten Hag saga is major black eye for Ineos as United's brand is dying
Ratcliffe now has a hugely important decision if his club are to stop being a fading heritage exhibition
Taking United job would be enormous risk for Amorim
job would be enormous risk for Amorim
A view from the stands Going full Woodward is incompetent or cowardly
It was about half an hour after the final whistle at the FA Cup final when I had my exchange with Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Van Nistelrooy has learned from the very best coaches
Dutchman took inspiration from Bielsa, Ferguson, Simeone and Robson in developing his own style
Rodri and Bonmati scoop top prizes as Real boycott big night
Rodri and Aitana Bonmati have been named winners at the 2024 Ballon d'Or at football's annual awards ceremony in Paris, their trophies handed out at the end of a bizarre day in which Real Madrid's delegation opted not to attend.
Stanway: Lionesses must evolve as plateau is 'inevitable'
Georgia Stanway said it is \"inevitable\" that England will plateau after their huge success and that they need to reinvent themselves to avoid becoming predictable.
Everything's starting to come together
Jack Draper's improvement in his breakthrough season has resulted from his greater fearlessness under pressure
Verstappen's ruthless streak on show again in Norris battle
Two races and two flashpoints, the world championship battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris is in full flow.
Curry poised for England return against All Blacks
Sale flanker expected to start after recovery from hip injury that threatened his career
