England: How Billy Vunipola pulled off six-month charm offensive to win Rugby World Cup spot
Saracens powerhouse No8 Vunipola’s long-term selection battle was complete yesterday, when the 30-year-old was named in England’s 33-man squad for the fast-approaching global contest in France.
The Sydney-born loose-forward was overlooked for the entire Six Nations, and then needed knee surgery in April.
Vunipola shook off his Six Nations disappointment by getting down to hard graft at Saracens, working closely with coaches like Ian Peel and Joe Shaw to hit back to his best form.
And when his knee injury struck, Vunipola refused to give up hope of a quick recovery – and now the 68-cap back-rower is off to his third World Cup.
Harlequins’ Alex Dombrandt has been the big loser in Vunipola’s reversal of fortunes, the 26-year-old omitted from England’s final World Cup squad yesterday.
Head coach Borthwick does not see any risk in selecting just one specialist No8 in Vunipola, insisting that versatile back-rowers Lewis Ludlam, Ben Earl and Tom Curry can cover the role as required.
Vunipola is closing in on full fitness and could yet be available for Saturday’s World Cup warm-up clash against Wales at Twickenham, with Borthwick effusive in his praise of the back-row bulldozer.
“The diligence of seeing Billy in this recovery from injury, it has been very impressive,” said Borthwick. “He’s a very mature player now. I think he’s taken a very mature approach to his recovery, and a very determined approach to be fit for this World Cup.
“Billy is a guy who wants to play rugby, and wants to play a lot of minutes.
“I’ve looked at the squad and worked with the players over the last eight weeks and got a clearer picture of what every player does and what every player brings, and what the blend of the squad needs.
“I am very clear about how we need to play against the opponents we will play in this tournament. And that’s ultimately why I made the decision to go with Billy.”
Henry Slade was the other big omission from England’s World Cup ranks, the Exeter centre losing out with Borthwick opting for power and pace over his creative talents.
Manu Tuilagi and Ollie Lawrence offer the bludgeon, Joe Marchant and Elliot Daly wield the rapier. But all four will be expected to attack the gainline, as England target a direct gameplan.
