THE advent of every Six Nations throws up some notable absentees from the starting grid and if this year’s list is longer than usual, the explanation is to be found in a single, chilling word: Covid.
Such hardy perennials as lack of form and lack of fitness have taken the usual toll, likewise suspension.
As England tighthead Kyle Sinckler, below, and Wales fullback- cum-wing Liam Williams pay for recent red cards, two more have opted out of spending eight weeks in a bio-secure bubble.
Matteo Minozzi, Wasps’ Italian fullback, has been quoted as describing himself “too ti...