England sweat on Vunipola fitness ahead of France clash

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.”

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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