Vunipola lauds England coach

– England No 8 Billy Vunipola (above) has applauded a more relaxed approach to team bonding that has kept World Cup flops England on course for a Six Nations Grand Slam ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Italy in Rome.

England’s failure to get past the World Cup group stages last autumn prompted a change in management and philosophy that saw the Red Rose begin this year’s Six Nations with a battling 15-9 win over Scotland last week.

Although Vunipola was widely applauded after a Man-of-theMatch display at Murrayfield, the 23-year-old credits new coach Eddie Jones with instilling a new, more sociable approach to rebuilding England’s confidence.

Vunipola says England are benefiting from being allowed to socialise more than under the previous regime run by Stuart Lancaster, when players were told not to drink.

“I respond to the love and compassion Eddie shows the boys, me especially. He is very personable,” Vunipola said. “We have had a few bonding sessions. It’s important for me to know what someone else is about, what motivates them, whether that be their family or scoring tries.

“It works better when you have a relationship with someone rather than just rocking up and playing for England.”

Jones has made three changes to his team to play Italy in Rome tomorrow.

Lock Courtney Lawes, loosehead prop Mako Vunipola and scrumhalf Ben Youngs come in for Joe Launchbury, Joe Marler and Danny Care respectively.

Youngs, 26, who has 53 caps, will link up with Bath’s George Ford, pushing Care onto the bench.

Vunipola, 25, was preferred over Marler, with Lawes, 26, taking Launchbury’s place.

“I believe this is the strongest 23 to go to Rome and get the performance and result we want,’’ said Jones

“Mako, Ben and Courtney have been pushing hard for selection during training, but they also fit the game plan we want to implement against Italy. Danny, Joe Marler and Joe Launchbury will all have significant roles to play to finish the game.” – AFP

I respond to the love and compassion Eddie shows the boys, me especially. Billy Vunipola England No 8