Vunipola on course for quarter-final
England rate Billy Vunipola as “very likely” to be available for Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against Australia at Oita Stadium.
In what is a major boost for Eddie Jones’ side, the powerful Saracens No 8 is on course to recover from the ankle injury that forced him off at half-time against Argentina ten days ago.
Vunipola was set to miss the climax to Pool C against France last Saturday only for the game to be cancelled because of Super Typhoon Hagibis, and was also considered a doubt for the last-eight clash.
Jones will name his team to face the Wallabies tomorrow and Vunipola, the only player to have started all 12 of England’s Tests this year, will be an automatic selection if fit.
“Billy is progressing really well,” defence coach John Mitchell said. “He has trained again today and we are very confident in his progression each day. He’s very likely [to be available].
“Billy is a very important player to us and a very likeable player as well. He fits well within the team.
“He loves the ball in his hand. He is very good at regaining and retaining momentum. He likes carrying the ball which is where he has his greatest influence.”
While the update over Vunipola has been positive, it appears increasingly unlikely that wing Jack Nowell will play any part in the quarter-final, with Jonathan Joseph in line to take his place on the bench.
Having recovered from ankle surgery and the removal of his appendix, Nowell’s comeback against the Pumas came at the cost of a hamstring injury that has prevented him from taking a full part in training.