Vunipola is back for smarting Saracens
MAKO VUNIPOLA returns to action for the first time since the ‘Battle of Glasgow’ with referees under fresh orders to crack down on foul play.
The prop was one of six England internationals injured in Saracens’ win at Scotstoun in the opening round of Heineken Cup matches.
Brother Billy (arm), Maro Itoje and Jamie George (both nose) all sustained breaks, while Mako and Nick Isiekwe suffered serious ligament sprains.
The two Vunipolas missed England’s autumn campaign but ahead of Saracens’ return to Europe, at home against Cardiff on Sunday, both are on the mend.
Mako, described by forwards coach Alex Sanderson as “bigger and stronger” after his time away, plays while No8 Billy, initially ruled out until the end of January with his third broken arm in 10 months, is a fortnight ahead of schedule.
The English champions are pleased that referees’ boss Joel Jutge has laid down the law to his officials ahead of the resumption of European competition.
“The Glasgow match was very dirty, there were a lot of off-the-ball shots,” said Sanderson.
“But Joel has put a directive out to all referees this week to be harsh on foul play and high tackles and all the rest of it. It’s not good for the game and it cripples teams.
“Teams tend to try to get under our skin sometimes, use the dark arts to unnerve us and put us off our game. We just want a really hard but fair game.”
Sanderson revealed that
Saracens had worked all week on correct tackle height to avoid losing players to cards. But he added: “A reminder to the referees to make sure the tackle height is below the shoulders is no bad thing for player safety.”
The Londoners are still unbeaten this season despite injuries and having a raft of players unavailable during the Test window. To get Mako Vunipola back is a significant boost. “He’s probably the world’s best loosehead and also an unbelievable leader,” said Sanderson. “His ability to coach on the run, to bring other people with him, has really improved.” Leicester boss Geordan Murphy last night ruled out a return to the struggling club for Tigers legend and former England manager Martin Johnson.
“Johnno is a couple of miles down the road but I don’t think he’s got any interest in being involved in rugby,” said Murphy.
“He has probably been at about two games in the last 10 years.”