Casualty list which just keeps growing and growing

PETER JACKSON

The autumn series kicks with almost 40 missing in action, the majority of whom have been declared unfit for purpose as opposed to merely doubtful.

As an inevitable sign of the ever-rising physical toll, all are in various states of disrepair with one exception, Bundee Aki, suspended following a third red card.

The full casualty list: Full-backs: Melvyn Jaminet (Fr) Liam Williams (Wales), Hugo Keenan (Ireland).

Wings: James Lowe, Andrew Conway, Keith Earls (all Ireland), Josh Adams (Wales).

Centres: Huw Jones (Scotland), Bundee Aki (Ireland), Uilisi Halaholo, George North, Johnny Williams (all Wales),

Fly-halves: Dan Biggar (Wales), George Ford (England), Joey Carbery (Ireland).

Scrum-halves: Jamison Gibson-Park, Craig Casey (both Ireland).

Front row: Wyn Jones, Leon Brown, Dewi Lake (all Wales), Jamie George (England), Ronan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong (both Ireland)

Locks: Iain Henderson, Kieran Treadwell, Tadhg Beirne (all Ireland), Scott Cummings (Scotland), Seb Davies (Wales), Maro Itoje (England).

Back row: Ross Moriarty, Taine Basham, Josh Navidi (all Wales), Will Connors, Josh van der Flier, Peter O’Mahony (all Ireland), Courtney Lawes (England), Rory Darge (Scotland).