With as many as 12 players missing from Stuart Lancaster's squad which took on Wales in Cardiff on Friday evening, the door for England selection appeared to have creaked open ajar for a couple Exeter Chiefs.
Both Jack Nowell and Henry Slade travelled to the Millennium Stadium, but neither made the squad as Lancaster's patched-up side produced a fine second-half showing to win 21-16.
It is a cruel irony that England's injury woes now appear to be conspiring against the Chiefs duo.
After such a solid performance, which saw the visitors come back at one stage from a 10-point deficit, talk now is of continuity as Lancaster seeks stability in his line-up.
Even the likes of Brad Barritt, Kyle Eastmond and Exeter-bound Geoff Parling – who has been ruled out of the Italy clash – look likely to struggle to earn a place after Friday's win.
That obviously leaves the claims of both Nowell and Slade under a cloud through no fault of their own.
Admittedly, the injuries sustained by England have done little to aid Nowell's cause.
Northampton Saints full-back Ben Foden underwent knee surgery last month after rupturing his left anterior cruciate ligament, ruling him out of the Six Nations and leaving his World Cup prospects in doubt.
Nowell's versatility means he can cover full-back – he began his career at there before shifting to the wing – so Foden's troubles have surely pushed him up the pecking order.
But with the likes of Anthony Watson, Jonny May and Alex Goode also capable of playing there, Nowell's versatility is somewhat nullified.
Watson's well-taken try against Wales as part of a promising individual display has secured his spot on the wing for the time being.
May was caught out for Wales' try as he was sucked in off his flank by Taulupe Faletau, but the Gloucester flyer still seems to be Lancaster's preference – particularly after his scintillating score against the All Blacks in the autumn internationals.
That Lancaster rates Nowell is not in doubt – the Chiefs man impressed in last season's Six Nations and was called up in the autumn despite starting just three games in six months following knee surgery.
It is simply that others are in front of him in the pecking order, leaving him with plenty to do in a World Cup year.
That leaves centre Slade who, with the likes of Barritt, Eastmond, Manu Tuilagi and Owen Farrell all sidelined, had a marginally clearer path to the England set-up.
Unfortunately for the in-form 21-year-old, Lancaster went with Luther Burrell and Jonathan Joseph as his centre combination, with Billy Twelvetrees on the bench.
The last 12 months have seen talk intensify that Slade has what it takes to mount a late charge for a spot in Lancaster's World Cup plans.
He caught the eye in England's non-cap international 39-29 defeat to the Barbarians last summer.
Not only did Slade score 16 points, but his tenacity in defence also won him plaudits.
But with Burrell gradually cementing a spot after enjoying a strong 2014 Six Nations and Joseph taking his opportunity in Cardiff, Slade's path also appears blocked – for the time being at least.
His cause will not be helped by the return of Barritt and Eastmond, and with just seven months to go until the World Cup, time is not on his side.
However, as we have seen in recent weeks, injuries can both open and close doors when you least expect it.
