Bulldozing Vunipola back to face Scotland
ENGLAND last night confirmed Billy Vunipola is back fit – and will be unleashed upon Scotland in Saturday’s Calcutta Cup clash.
The flanker marked his comeback after three months out with a knee injury by playing 72 minutes of Saracens’ Premiership victory over Newcastle on Sunday.
England have sorely missed their most dangerous ball carrier since he ruptured ligaments last autumn and the bulldozing No.8 is poised to add his weight to the looming Triple Crown decider against the Scots.
Scrum coach Neal Hatley said: “Billy has done enough to prove he should be involved in the squad. It’s fantastic to have him back.
“He carried well against Newcastle and it was a good performance for a bloke who has been out for as long as he has.
“He brings a good boost to the boys, he brings a good energy to the squad. It’s a confidence boost.
“He brings really good control at the base and is one of the top carriers around. He has real power. Defensively he hits hard because of his size. He’s good over the ball.”
Vunipola’s challenge this week is to convince Eddie Jones he is ready to reclaim his starting place from Nathan Hughes who has deputised for the last four Tests.
Hughes showed promise against Australia in November and has emerged as a solid alternative.
But he has failed to set the Six Nations ablaze and Vunipola has a genuine chance of dislodging him from the back row for the Scots’ visit to Twickenham.
England’s Grand Slam defence concludes in Dublin on March 18 by which point they could have equalled New Zealand’s record 18-Test winning run and already have retained their title.
Hatley said: “Nathan’s gone well. He’s grown into the role, he’s hit hard and carried hard. What he’s done at the base has got better and better. He’s played a big role.”