Leicester Tigers' Ben Youngs primed to return before England start Autumn series with Fiji clash He showed in the two Tests that he had rediscovered the snap that had made him such an asset, scoring two tries in the 36-27 defeat at Ellis Park. His injury only came to light after the match, opening the way for a return to England colours for his long-time rival, Harlequins" Danny Care. There was also an encouraging bulletin on back-row forward Tom Croft and lock Louis Deacon, both of whom are targeting a return over the next month. Croft, an ever-present in the England back row throughout the Six Nations Championship, missed the tour to South Africa after damaging his neck in the end-of-season Premiership match against Harlequins. Northampton flanker Tom Wood has made an encouraging start to the season after eight months on the sidelines with a foot injury. Wood, who was the prime contender for the England captaincy role taken on by Chris Robshaw, has started both of Northampton's Premiership games so far with director of rugby, Jim Mallinder, professing himself to be "very pleased" at his reintegration following last Sunday's hard-fought win over Exeter. Mallinder also expects to see lock, Courtney Lawes, another long-term absentee, back on the field within the next couple of weeks. As for Cockerill, his upbeat mood was tempered by the fact that former All Black back row, Craig Newby 33, has been forced to retire with a knee problem, the second Leicester player within a week to quit.