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Four England internationals make Top 14 team of the week
By Josh Raisey
Four England internationals have made French publication Midi Olympique's Top 14 team of the week after round two of the competition.
The loosehead-tighthead propping combination of Mako Vunipola and Kyle Sinckler that ran out for England on many occasions have made this team after only their second match in the competition.
Though Vunipola's newly promoted Vannes were on the losing side against Stade Francais, falling 34-31 at the Stade Jean Bouin, it nevertheless had a standout performance from the 33-year-old, who retired from international duty at the beginning of the year.
The former Saracen produced a match-high three turnovers in a scrum-heavy contest.
His former England colleague Sinckler was tasting victory for the first time in the Top 14 at the same time. His Toulon side triumphed over Castres 30-28 at home.
It was also victory for England's two other internationals in the XV, Toulouse's Jack Willis and Racing 92's Henry Arundell, who both have plenty of experience in the competition.
Willis' side earned a 35-27 victory over modern rivals La Rochelle at the Stade Ernest-Wallon on Sunday, where he produced a staggering 24 carries- six more than France No.8 Gregory Alldritt in second. He also registered the joint-most turnovers of the match with two.
A try-scoring display was enough for Arundell to make the XV as well, as Racing beat ASM Clermont Auvergne 33-20 at the Stade Dominique Duvauchelle. The 21-year-old also made four line breaks in a match where no one else was able to manage more than one.
The benefit for England head coach Steve Borthwick is that three of the four players still have their sights set on playing for England again despite being ruled out while in France.
Sinckler has emphasised his burning desire to play at the 2027 World Cup, while Arundell's contract in France expires in 2026. Willis too is under contract with the Top 14 and European champions until 2026, so England will be aiming at luring him home and making him eligible again.
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Latest Comments
Italians defended well. Luckily the scrums went well for the ABs.
Go to commentsYou were 'valuing' the players by you saying "they are not greats" though, I was pointing out another reason why they are greats, inside the team I mean (which is more important to selections on the pitch stuff).
Someone like TJ would be bitterly disappointed he didn't play on this end of year tour. He is still good enough to come on in that France game and ensure the team get the victory (with regards to how well Ratima had been playing). At the very least this is a 'sorry you didn't get that chance' offering, he's not here to get token farewell games, he will be playing to try and prove that he should have been on the pitch last week.
The other decision to play your best over the future is really personal though so can agree with your reasoning. Just sharing a slightly different perspective. I'll have to check the ratings and see how they went.
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