Billy shows he will soon be back to his best
BILLY VUNIPOLA has been backed to return to his devastating best in double-quick time after making a successful Saracens comeback.
The England No.8 scored a superb opening try and played the full 80 minutes of Friday’s 24-18 defeat at Sale.
It was his first appearance since fracturing his left forearm against Glasgow in October and puts him in line for England’s Six Nations opener in Ireland on February 2.
Vunipola, 26, has started only three of England’s past 23 Tests due to a catalogue of injury setbacks but Sarries team-mate Richard Wigglesworth said: “Billy was good and it’s great to have him back.
“I think he’s going to fly now and touch wood he will be involved in our next two European games, play well in those and then get to pull on an England shirt again in the Six Nations. He deserves a bit of luck.”
Vunipola, needed just seven minutes to provide a reminder of his class as he beat four Sale defenders to score in the corner.
Sarries boss Mark McCall had not planned for his star forward to play the entire game on his comeback. Wigglesworth added: “You can be fit all you want, but you need heart and a bit of grit.
“Billy and his brother (Mako) have got that in abundance and that’s why they’re world-class players.
“Not only they are physically brilliant with great hands, but their attitude and determination is spot on. You could see that on Friday night.”
England boss Jones names his Six Nations squad on January 17 and Vunipola seems certain to add to his 36 caps.