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Vunipola set for Saracens comeback

Billy Vunipola playing for Saracens

Billy Vunipola could yet play a part in England’s defence of their Six Nations title as the number eight prepares to make his comeback for Saracens this weekend.

The 24-year-old powerhouse forward has been out of action since November after undergoing knee surgery and was not expected to play any part in the Six Nations.

However, Vunipola could be in Sarries’ starting line-up for the Premiership clash at Newcastle Falcons on Sunday.

Defending Six Nations champions England face Scotland at Twickenham on March 11 before a potential tournament-decider against Ireland in Dublin a week later and head coach Eddie Jones is hoping one of his key men will be available to play some part.

“It’s pretty positive. We’re working with Saracens to see when he’s going to be available to play,” he said.

“We haven’t written off the hope he’ll play in the RBS 6 Nations. He’s looking fit.”

Vunipola’s brother, Mako, made his international return from the bench in the win over Italy last weekend as England made it three victories from three.

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SK 2 hours ago
Jean de Villiers: ‘Next year will be the acid test for this group’

It seems to me that a core of players will make it to 2027 if they stay fit. Siya, PSD and Eben are all part of that core. The question is who else? De Allende may not make it which is why Rassie has started playing Am at 12 and has Moodie as his back up at 13. Also Esterhuizen is an established 12 already in the mix. Even Pollard has played 12 so Rassie keeping all his options open. Willemse can play 12 but his defence is sometimes lacking. Mgomezulu can also play there and he is a good physical player who makes his tackles. De Allende though is so hard to replace. He tackles, he turns over, runs over players and he distributes. Rassie is making plans for all positions in a similar way. At tighthead and loosehead we have seen the Bok depth this year with injuries to multiple players and yet the scrum stood strong and dominated. At hooker he has used 4 or 5 different players. Bongi will not likely make 2027 but the young guys are coming through. Willie has been tapped as a future coach and right now is a player coach. His swansong will come next year but Fassi is now a solid option at 15 to complement Damian and challenge him. At wing there is endless depth right now. In the loose forwards there are already some established options for 2027 and Louw has now stepped up with Hanekom coming through. At lock injuries to multiple players saw Nortje step up and Moerat is now an established player. Ruan Venter also a good back up and some good youngsters coming through at the Bulls. Springboks finding solutions but question is will this squad be experienced enough come 2027. Lots of change still to come and lots of learnings still to be had for many of these young players.

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