ENGLAND NUMBER EIGHT Billy Vunipola faces a race to recover in time for the Six Nations after being ruled out for at least three months following knee surgery.
The Saracens forward, 24, tore cartilage in his knee during the first half of England’s 27-14 victory over Argentina at Twickenham on Saturday and was taken off the pitch on a medical cart.
Defending champions England launch their Six Nations title defence against France at Twickenham on 4 February and play their final game against Ireland in Dublin on 18 March.
“Billy’s been absolutely fantastic for England over the last 11 months and we wish him a quick recovery,” said England head coach Eddie Jones, whose side close the year against Australia next weekend.
“He’s a very influential player in the set-up and there’s no doubt he’ll be missed for the game against Australia. But where there is an injury, there’s an opportunity for someone else.
“We’ve had five or six front-line players missing throughout the series, so I’ve no doubt we’ll adapt and work that little bit harder this week.
“I’m sure the players will respond to this by going up a level and peak for this game.”
Vunipola’s absence will also be felt by Premiership leaders Saracens, who resume their defence of the European Champions Cup next month.
Has anyone else noticed how many people are suddenly lobbing keepers?
Better than Rooneys, great strike in fairness
Shelvey will either do something amazing or stupid…. No middle ground.
So true
Nailed it Graham that’s why the Pool let him go
Well be paying 20 mil to get him back in a couple of years Graham.
Should have just loaned him out. Not sold him.
I believe Rodgers gave him the choice….. He would have kept him, but he wanted to go….. And also, maybe a clause in that contract :)
Shay Given would have saved it, should be in goal
Given can’t even get in to the Ireland team..
Wow
Much better goal than Rooney’s. Adrian acted like he had just downed 3 bottles of Buckfast and had a feed of shrooms for Rooney’s goal.
Not as good as chris forrester against drogheda
Keeper might have got it. Given probably would have saved it cos he never comes off his line
Remember Nayim lobbed Seaman from 40 yards….. He was at the butt of some jokes for a long time after that
Till they finally abated, and he resurrected them all again in 2002, letting romaldinho lob him again , then away with the the mixer again . Thanks for the memories David.
I lobbed semen from 50 yards…
Only the wall stopped it?