Rugby World Cup: England’s Billy Vunipola still an injury doubt to face France
Vunipola had been removed from the game at half-time with England won the match 39-10 from Argentina on Saturday on account of ankle pain. It is now doubtful that he will be playing the next game against France on the weekend. The attack coach Scott Wisemantel says that he has been in and out of injuries all season.
While Vunipola is going to be resting on Tuesday while training, he is still available for selection on the team. If not, he will be allowed to rest.
The call will be made on Wednesday night to decide whether or not he will be playing.
Billy’s elder brother, also on the team, has himself just recovered from an injury and is proving to be one of the most important players on the team. He is a key ingredient in England’s wins as his playing style complements that of Eddie Jones.
Tom Curry was switched from blind-side flanker to the back of the scrum as of the second quarter of the game against Argentina, and if required could reprise the position. Mark Wilson, the impressive player from last year’s autumn internationals, is going through an injury for the first 15 days in Japan.
Sam Underhill, England’s open- side flanker said that losing Billy would be a massive loss, but with the existing team, strength and depth have been created. Wisemantel also confirmed that the scans of Vinupola’s injuries have been given to the team doctor.
Owen Farrell, the Captain and hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie also missed training, claiming recoveries in time for the Yokohama game.
England is already in the quarter-finals and will be at the top of Group C rankings if they are able to win their game against France. This will lead to a quarter-final match against Australia in Oita within 11 days, after their world cup loss at Twickenham by the Wallabies.
New Zealand seems to be a good contender for semi-finals, with some suggesting that this game is better lost than being faced with South Africa and Wales. Wisemantel maintains that this weekend, the team will be giving their best performance, and will look at it one game at a time.
