Phil Jones

The former England A player is due to undergo a hernia operation any day now which would rule him out of action for around six weeks, making the opening game of the new season, the long trip down to Devon and Exeter, a week or two too far.

“’Jonesy’ played the back end of last season with the injury and we knew he would have to have an op sooner or later, its just turned out that is has come later, which will obviously affect his availability for the opening game,” said Fourie.

“We initially hoped that rest would be the cure but it has since become evident that he does need an op and hopefully he’ll have it in the next few days.

“With recovery taking a few weeks it is looking like he will miss the trip to Exeter, but you never know, he may heal quicker and surprise us.

“But if he is unable to be fit for the big kick-off we have got Steve Nutt to fill his boots at 10.

“’Nutty’ is a different kind of fly-half, he is more of a tactical kicker and we’ll be looking to him to be a real general out there and put us into the right areas of the field.”

It looks like Jones will be joined on the treatment table by former Scotland centre Andy Craig, who is another set to go under the surgeon’s knife to cure a shoulder injury that plagued him for the final third of last season.

“You always try to avoid surgery if you can but just like Jonesy it looks like ‘Craigy’ will have to have an op, however we should be okay for cover as we have Chris Briers, Freeman Payne, Chris Hall and Arno De Jager who can all play in the centres,” added Fourie.

The real selection problem for September 1 could be in the second row.

“’Chuck’ Norris’s rehabilitation after his knee operation is going well and he is aiming to be fit for the final pre-season friendly at Manchester on Friday, August 24,” explained Fourie.

“If he does not play in that game then we would be reluctant to play him the following week at Exeter, so the search for another second row continues.”