England sweat on Vunipola fitness ahead of France clash

Pressure is on England to get Billy Vunipola (centre) fit and ready for the crunch match against France. Photo: AP Photo/Aaron Favila

Pressure is on England to get Billy Vunipola (centre) fit and ready for the crunch match against France. Photo: AP Photo/Aaron Favila

Published Oct 7, 2019

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TOKYO – England are awaiting the outcome of tests on Billy Vunipola's injured ankle as the number eight faces a race to be fit for their final Rugby World Cup Pool C clash against France on Saturday.

The 26-year-old started his 12th straight match, and seventh in two months, for England in Saturday's 39-10 victory over Argentina but left the field in pain at halftime after twisting his left ankle.

“We will have a clearer picture tomorrow. He's having a scan as a precaution,” England scrum coach Neal Hatley told a news conference on Monday.

“He's walking around with a smile on his face -- but it's nearly lunchtime so he's happy.”

HIGHLIGHTS 📲

Relive the best of the action from England's Pool C clash against Argentina in Tokyo. #RWC2019 #CarryThemHome pic.twitter.com/FPrOMP66QX

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) October 5, 2019

Should Vunipola be unavailable, he could be replaced by Mark Wilson at number eight in Yokohama as Eddie Jones' side look to head into the quarter-finals with their 100% record intact. 

Reuters

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