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Billy Vunipola reacts to getting smashed by Tonga's Zane Kapeli

England's Billy Vunipola survived a huge hit against Tonga (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

One of the rarest sights to be seen in international rugby is England’s Billy Vunipola being driven back in the tackle. 

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The No8 is one of the most solid ball carriers in the game, renowned for his ability to make ground from any position. But that was not the case when he ran into Tonga’s Zane Kapeli on Sunday. 

The Saracens forward was smashed in an almighty collision, which is already a contender for the hit of the World Cup only a matter of days into the tournament. 

After the match, which England won 35-3, Vunipola took to Instagram and said: “Lungs were tested as was my ability to take a hit.”

There were a few sore bodies in the England camp after the game, as Tonga are famed for being one of the most physical teams to face. Vunipola can now attest to that.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Good to get this RWC started. Lungs were tested as was my ability to take a hit…. Love this game #OnToTheNext

A post shared by Billy Vunipola (@vunipola_billy) on

In light of that, Eddie Jones will be pleased that his team came away from the game relatively unscathed. Despite feeling the full force of the Tongan defence, Vunipola still made 12 carries in the match as England eased their way into the tournament. Jones’ side were certainly not at their best but managed to earn a bonus-point victory nonetheless. 

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England face the USA on Thursday at the Kobe Misaki Stadium, and with such a quick turnaround between matches, there have been many changes. However, the likes of Vunipola have not been rested ahead of the pivotal matches against Argentina and France towards the end of the pool stage. 

WATCH: Eddie Jones and George Ford after England name their side to face the USA 

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M
MA 18 minutes ago
How the four-team format will help the Wallabies defeat the Lions

In regards to Mack Hansen, Tuipoloto and others who talent wasnt 'seen'..

If we look at acting, soccer and cricket as examples, Hugh Jackman, the Heminsworths in acting; Keith Urban in Nashville, Mike Hussey and various cricketers who played in UK and made the Australian team; and many soccer players playing overseas.


My opinion is that perhaps the ' 'potential' or latent talent is there, but it's just below the surface.


ANd that decision, as made by Tane Edmed, Noah, Will Skelton to go overseas is the catalyst to activate the latent and bring it to the surface.


Based on my personal experience of leaving Oz and spending 14 months o/s, I was fully away from home and all usual support systems and past memories that reminded me of the past.


Ooverseas, they weren't there. I had t o survive, I could invent myself as who I wanted, and there was no one to blame but me.


It bought me alive, focused my efforts towards what I wanted and people largely accepted me for who I was and how I turned up.


So my suggestion is to make overseas scholarships for younger players and older too so they can benefit from the value offered by overseas coaching acumen, established systems, higher intensity competition which like the pressure that turns coal into diamonds, can produce more Skeltons, Arnold's, Kellaways and the like.


After the Lion's tour say, create 20 x $10,000 scholarships for players to travel and play overseas.


Set up a HECS style arrangement if necessary to recycle these funds ongoingly.


Ooverseas travel, like parenthood or difficult life situations brings out people's physical and emotional strengths in my own experiences, let's use it in rugby.

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