Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Billy Vunipola: England number eight's progress pleases head coach Eddie Jones

Written by 
Published in Rugby
Saturday, 09 July 2022 23:16

Billy Vunipola produced a vintage performance to help England overcome Australia in the second Test - but Eddie Jones says there's more to come.

The hard-running Saracens number eight scored England's try in their series-levelling 25-17 win in Brisbane.

Returning to the squad after a 15-month absence, Vunipola has reminded head coach Jones what he can do.

"Billy is getting fitter. He has a while to go but we are pleased with his progress," said Jones.

"We picked him on the back of his improving club form and he's got better, and with us he is getting fitter and his commitment to be the best player he can be is improving too."

Vunipola, a stalwart of the 2019 World Cup final team, had to come to terms with being dropped after the 2021 Six Nations when Saracens were playing in the Championship.

"I was binned off for a year because I wasn't performing up to the standard," he said.

"There were two number eights playing better."

He was back to his powerful best last season and caught the eye with his performance for Saracens in the Premiership final.

With Alex Dombrandt and Sam Simmonds both unavailable to tour because of injury, Vunipola was recalled to the squad and won his 61st cap in the first Test defeat last week.

Disappointed with their performance as a pack, England bounced back impressively in Brisbane with Vunipola to the fore.

"We were hurting a lot from last week," he said. "The Australian pack beat us up there up front, especially towards the end of the game.

"It was on us as forwards to get front-foot ball. We did that and our mauls and scrums were different level.

"We want to come out next week and be better than we were this week. The first half, especially the first 35 minutes, I thought we were pretty good but we let them into the game."

Read 132 times

Soccer

United falls at Palace for record 13th Prem defeat

United falls at Palace for record 13th Prem defeat

Manchester United were thrashed at Selhurst Park by Crystal Palace.Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Imag...

Defiant Ten Hag: United lost plot in Palace defeat

Defiant Ten Hag: United lost plot in Palace defeat

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsEric ten Hag vowed to keep fighting as Manchester United manager, b...

Awful display at Palace all but dooms Man United to worst Premier League season

Awful display at Palace all but dooms Man United to worst Premier League season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLONDON -- This is descending into the worst season Manchester Unite...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Wemby becomes sixth unanimous ROY winner

Wemby becomes sixth unanimous ROY winner

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsVictor Wembanyama came into the NBA with massive expectations, and...

Riley: Butler extension contingent on availability

Riley: Butler extension contingent on availability

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMIAMI -- If Jimmy Butler wants to see more pay, Pat Riley will want...

Baseball

Steele returns to mound as Cubs welcome Padres

Steele returns to mound as Cubs welcome Padres

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCHICAGO -- When Justin Steele was injured on opening day, the big q...

Harper, Wheeler roll as Phils' hot start continues

Harper, Wheeler roll as Phils' hot start continues

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPHILADELPHIA -- Zack Wheeler struck out 11 in seven innings, Bryce...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated