Billy Is Off Again And Doubtful For Autumn Test Series
BILLY Vunipola’s participation in the autumn series appears to be in serious jeopardy with the England No.8 hobbling off after wrenching his knee just before half-time in a match made more lop-sided than it might have been because Sale butchered two tries after the interval.
Saracens rugby director Mark McCall confirmed after the game that Vunipola had been taken to hospital for a scan.
England coach Eddie Jones will echo McCall’s sentiment that “we’re praying it’s not as bad as it looks”, because Vunipola was starting to get back into his formidable stride before the knee twist.
He made a tidy contribution to a 17-3 Saracens lead at the break, helping to set up Ben Spencer’s sniping run for the line after just three minutes.
With Spencer then putting Liam Williams over on the blindside of a lineout drive, and Owen Farrell converting both tries, Saracens had a 14-0 lead before ten minutes was up. The first-half scoring was completed by a penalty exchange between Faf de Klerk -- who was moved to fly-half with AJ McGinty taken ill before the match and the unerringly accurate Farrell.
Bu hikaye The Rugby Paper dergisinin September 24, 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Rugby Paper dergisinin September 24, 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Stade are heading in right direction
IS there an early winter equivalent to the idiom about solitary swallows and the impending arrival of summer? Because – whatever it might be, something involving snowflakes, perhaps, or frosts – that’s the situation at Stade Francais right now.
Borthwick needs to sort out defence
WELL surprise, surprise England at last managed to win at home in front of a nearly full Allianz stadium even if it was against a team that they had thrashed just a few months earlier.
Rowland is gearing up for world cup challenge
HELENA Rowland believes England Women have been given advance warning that next year’s Rugby World Cup is to be no formality.
All my energy is going into Beziers
IT’S a dream to be a part-share owner of AS Beziers Hérault, the 11-time French champions, along with Andrew Mehrtens and Bobby Skinstad.
Fylde left to count cost of the cards
LEEDS TYKES were thankful for their resolute defence as they clung on to claim a narrow win against Fylde.
O'Grady glad to learn his trade in tough surroundings
EXETER University flyhalf Lewis O’Grady is enjoying the physicality of National 2 West and insists it is the best preparation for his transition to senior rugby after graduation.
It's Bristol or nothing for me - Cunningham
PROUD Bristolian Hollie Cunningham hopes to inspire the next generation of Bears players and can’t see herself ever playing for anyone else.
Bristol hit heights to take down champions
BRISTOL Bears head coach Dave Ward could not hide his delight following an impressive victory over reigning PWR champions Gloucester Hartpury at Kingsholm.
Good to see the Eagles soaring again
THAT’S a wrap for the autumn Tests and it would be remiss not to scroll through the undercard and round up the best of the action outside of the A list matches. A quick crib sheet for those not paying attention at the back.
Thomas ready for Edinburgh clash
FRESH from his dream Wales debut, Freddie Thomas has set his sights on helping Gloucester conquer Europe.
