Watson winging way back to tackle Scots
England go for glory in Six Nations Calcutta Cup clash
BILLY VUNIPOLA is ready to rumble again when Scotland visit Twickenham on Saturday.
And England star Ben Youngs r e c k ons he would knock the world champions’ No.8 out of their side.
New Zealand skipper and back rower Kieran Read might have something to say about Youngs’ claim, but the scrum-half insists Big Billy (right) is the number one No.8 on the planet.
Vunipola has not played since November 26 when he was carted off against Argentina with a knee injury and was scheduled to miss the entire Six Nations.
Bashing
But he has performed a Lazarus-style comeback and is set to give Newcastle a bashing on behalf of Saracens today.
That tees up the prospect of a Test return against the Scots as England tilt for a record-equalling 18 wins on the spin.
And Leicester man Youngs is thanking his lucky stars he will be lining up with Vunipola – instead of having to try and knock him over.
Youngs said: “I’ve played with Billy and, unfortunately, have to play against him twice a year. But on his day he is the best No.8 in the world. I don’t think other players can do what Billy does.
“Eights can suck in players, but not many can carry two or three defenders and physically impose themselves from minute one until 80. Billy’s not a guy who waits for the game to come to him – he is just absolutely on it. “So many times in tight games it’s just about winning the gain line and it can become a bit of an arm wrestle when you get caught in that middle third. “Billy has that unbelievable raw strength to make three or four yards when he’s got no right to do so.” England have missed Vunipola badly, failing to put in a complete 80-minute performance, but they are still three from three and on course for a second straight Grand Slam. Youngs said: “We have got the results, we haven’t quite nailed the performance yet. That is the main thing I am looking forward to. I am pretty confident it is going to be in the game on Saturday. “There has been a certain edge within the forwards which I haven’t seen for quite a while – and that’s nice.” BATH boss Todd Blackadder reckons Anthony Watson is fit for Test duty – despite seeing him outdone by a veteran Australian as Wasps won 24-3 at the Rec.
Wing Watson (above) has missed the start of the Six Nations with hamstring trouble.
But he got through 80 minutes to prove his fitness for England’s clash with Scotland on Saturday.
However, 60-cap Wallaby Kurtley Beale stole the show with two tries as Wasps went five points clear at the top of the Premiership – 16 ahead of Bath in fourth.
Watson smashed his jaw before the autumn internationals and has not played a Test since June, but is ready for another crack at the big-time, according to his club gaffer.
Blackadder said: “It is up to Eddie Jones but Anthony did enough to show he is ready – especially with his footwork. He gave his body a really good workout.”
Beale’s double showed his worth, but he could be on his way out of Wasps after just one season.
Director of rugby Dai Young said: “It is whether he wants another season in the Premiership or if he wants to go back to Australia.”
Watson started by fumbling his first touch and falling off a tackle on Christian Wade but gradually got into the game.
Wade’s early score after neat work from Alex Rieder and Beale’s brace put Wasps in control as they played most of the game in third gear. Blackadder said: “We didn’t show any intent.”