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Billy Vunipola reacts to getting smashed by Tonga's Zane Kapeli

England's Billy Vunipola survived a huge hit against Tonga (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

One of the rarest sights to be seen in international rugby is England’s Billy Vunipola being driven back in the tackle. 

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The No8 is one of the most solid ball carriers in the game, renowned for his ability to make ground from any position. But that was not the case when he ran into Tonga’s Zane Kapeli on Sunday. 

The Saracens forward was smashed in an almighty collision, which is already a contender for the hit of the World Cup only a matter of days into the tournament. 

After the match, which England won 35-3, Vunipola took to Instagram and said: “Lungs were tested as was my ability to take a hit.”

There were a few sore bodies in the England camp after the game, as Tonga are famed for being one of the most physical teams to face. Vunipola can now attest to that.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Good to get this RWC started. Lungs were tested as was my ability to take a hit…. Love this game #OnToTheNext

A post shared by Billy Vunipola (@vunipola_billy) on

In light of that, Eddie Jones will be pleased that his team came away from the game relatively unscathed. Despite feeling the full force of the Tongan defence, Vunipola still made 12 carries in the match as England eased their way into the tournament. Jones’ side were certainly not at their best but managed to earn a bonus-point victory nonetheless. 

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England face the USA on Thursday at the Kobe Misaki Stadium, and with such a quick turnaround between matches, there have been many changes. However, the likes of Vunipola have not been rested ahead of the pivotal matches against Argentina and France towards the end of the pool stage. 

WATCH: Eddie Jones and George Ford after England name their side to face the USA 

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DarstedlyDan 38 minutes ago
New Zealanders may not understand, but in France Test rugby is the 'B movie'

Italy have a top 14 issue too, that’s true. I doubt SA are overly pleased by that, although it’s countered somewhat by the fact they would expect to thrash them anyway, so perhaps are not that bothered.


The BIL teams are (aside from Ireland) A/B teams - still with many A team players. I would rather the England team touring Argentina be playing the ABs than this French one.


France could have reduced the complaints and the grounds for such if they had still picked the best team from those eligible/available. But they haven’t even done that. This, plus the playing of silly b@ggers with team selection over the three tests is just a big middle finger to the ABs and the NZ rugby public.


One of the key reasons this is an issue is the revenue sharing one. Home teams keep the ticket revenues. If the July tours are devalued to development larks then the crowds will not show up (why go watch teams featuring names you’ve never heard of?). This costs the SH unions. The NH unions on the other hand get the advantage of bums on seats from full strength SH teams touring in November. If the NH doesn’t want to play ball by touring full strength, then pay up and share gate receipts. That would be fair, and would reduce the grounds for complaint from the south. This has been suggested, but the NH unions want their cake and eat it too. And now, apparently, we are not even allowed to complain about it?


Finally - no one is expecting France to do things the way NZ or SA do. We oddly don’t really mind that it probably makes them less successful at RWC than they would otherwise have been. But a bit of willingness to find a solution other than “lump it, we’re French” would go a looonnng way.

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