Jones’ No8s are back for the big bash
ENGLAND’S two stricken No8s, Billy Vunipola and Nathan Hughes, face off against each other at Allianz Park today in the opening Premiership semi-final after making rapid recoveries from injury.
Vunipola, who aggravated a hamstring problem in training after his latest comeback three weeks ago, will start for Saracens in front of England coach Eddie Jones, who will be relieved to see him back after naming him in the squad to tour South Africa.
Hughes has not been picked for the trip, having initially been expected to miss the tour with kneeligament damage sustained against France in the Six Nations. But his return is a major boost for Wasps, particularly with James Haskell ruled out with a foot injury.
“In an ideal world we’d have liked Nathan to have played against Newcastle a fortnight ago to get a little bit of game time under his belt, but he’s probably in better condition than when he was playing with England,” said Wasps director of rugby Dai Young.
“He’s not going to be game fit because he hasn’t played for a number of weeks so it would be a big call to think he has 80 minutes in him, but he is in pretty good nick.”
Vunipola is also likely to be replaced in the second half having played so little rugby this season, but Sarries hope he will give them the start they need to propel them into a sixth Premiership final in nine seasons.
“He’s a fantastic player and it will be a lift to the lads to have him back out there and hopefully giving us some front-foot ball,” said fly-half Owen Farrell.
“Both teams are attacking really well and that normally comes off going forwards. It will all be about momentum this weekend; how to keep ours and stop theirs.”
Saracens, who are without the injured Liam Williams, have been in devastating form over the past month, averaging 54 points per game.
Wasps’ solution is to match fire with fire. Scrum-half Dan Robson, who was called up by England last week, said: “We score tries – that has always been our strength. We’ve looked at certain weaknesses that they have and how we can work our strengths into that.
“We’re always confident. If we weren’t, headed to the Allianz, it could be a long day. We’ve worked hard all season to get into this situation and we’re excited.”