Vunipola looking forward to less game time with Marler’s return

MAKO Vunipola will welcome Joe Marler’s return from suspension after emptying the tanks in the opening two rounds of England’s title defence.

Eddie Jones praised Vunipola’s “remarkable” work-rate in Saturday’s 12-6 victory over Wales, the head coach adding that he was “absolutely exhausted” when he was replaced in the 77 th minute.

The Saracens prop played a similar amount of time against Italy six days earlier and has been forced to undertake the unusually long shifts — he would normally depart before the hour — due to England’s injury crisis at loosehead.

Now that Marler can be selected for the clash with Scotland on February 24 after serving a sixweek ban for dangerous clearing out of a ruck, Vunipola’s minutes will be reduced as he no longer has to cover for rookie Alec Hepburn.

“Alec’s done very well under the circumstances, but when you have a world class prop like Joe around it obviously makes a difference,” Vunipola said. “It’s good to have him back, not just for the rugby side but he’s also a good character to have around as well.

“I actually feel pretty good. Eddie wasn’t wrong with what he said about me being exhausted, I was shattered at the end against Wales. But the recovery we’ve done since has been good and has helped me get the body right. I’m looked after very well by the staff.

“I’m very happy with the way things are going. I’m feeling confident and I prepare well, which means your team-mates have confidence in you and you can go out and do your job.”