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Mako Vunipola out of Six Nations
By Online Editors
England's preparations for their Guinness Six Nations game with Wales have suffered a set-back with Mako Vunipola officially ruled out of the rest of the tournament.
Vunipola started the competition impressively, picking up a man-of-the-match award in their opening game with Ireland at the Aviva, a 32-20 win.
He sustained the injury during England's 44-8 win over France at Twickenham on Sunday, coming off in the 44th minute.
In a statement the RFU said "Following medical assessments Mako Vunipola (Saracens) has been ruled out of England’s Guinness Six Nations campaign with an ankle ligament injury.
"Vunipola picked up the injury during England’s win against France on Sunday and is expected to be out for 10 weeks.
"The England prop will begin his rehabilitation with his club Saracens.
England head coach Eddie Jones said: “It is obviously very disappointing to lose Mako at this stage as he is an important player for us but it does provide an opportunity for the team to grow.”
But Vunipola's absence will be a huge loss, he is ranked as the world's number one loosehead prop in the RugbyPass Index with an RPI of 90.
Vunipola also missed the entire autumn series due to a calf strain.
It means that it's likely to be a battle between Exeter’s Ben Moon and Leicester's Ellis Genge for the shirt. Both players have made one appearance off the bench in this season's Six Nations.
England will assemble in central London on Wednesday lunchtime for a three-day camp ahead of their next match against Wales on the 23rd February in Cardiff.
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Latest Comments
I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.
Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.
Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.
They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.
That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.
Go to commentsGB = England, Scotland, Wales. UK = England, Wales, Scotland, NI
Nothing to stew son.
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