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Boost for Eddie Jones and England as Vunipola returns for Sarries
By Peter Hanson
Billy Vunipola has been named in Saracens' starting line-up to face Newcastle Falcons on Sunday as the powerhouse number eight attempts to prove his fitness for the remainder of England's Six Nations campaign.
The barnstorming forward underwent knee surgery in November and it was expected that he would play no part in England's defence of the Six Nations.
Vunipola has already missed the wins over France, Wales and Italy, but reports emerged this week that Vunipola was in line to face the Falcons at Kingston Park and Sarries confirmed his place in the starting XV on Twitter on Friday.
England coach Eddie Jones this week expressed his hope that Vunipola would be fit to play a part in the remainder of the Six Nations, with Scotland to visit Twickenham on March 11 before what could prove to be a tournament decider in Ireland in the final round of matches.
Team News | Guess who's back! pic.twitter.com/x2OqOYmXNA
— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) March 3, 2017
Vunipola's brother, Mako, has also had injury trouble but the prop was named among the replacements when England beat Italy last weekend.
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Latest Comments
How about a SH type of Champions Cup? I'm not going to repeat the whole response here, but did write what I think would be good. Not only for NZ, but all of the SH. I would however love to hear your thoughts on such a competition
Go to commentsCan’t really complain about those scores. Individually, too many were off their best and went missing in big, match defining moments. Collectively, the team often looked muddled and lacked cool-headed, leadership especially in the final quarter of games. This was further compounded by a quality drop-off from the bench.
Calls for Borthwick’s dismissal have grown increasingly louder with each passing game as he has been shown to be tactically and selectively subpar. His position is now in the balance and I don’t believe he’ll be kept on unless England fix their defensive issues and beat at least one of Ireland, France or Scotland in the 6Ns, which on the latest showing looks increasingly unlikely.
Couple of returning players in Chessum and Mitchell coupled with a stronger bench, might give England fans a few reasons to remain optimistic.
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