England fans split over who should replace Vunipola

The recent injury to Mako Vunipola has caused quite a storm on Twitter, as England fans have discussed who should start in the prop’s absence.

The two frontrunners are Ellis Genge and Ben Moon, who both have featured from the bench so far this Six Nations. Both players bring a huge amount of the England team, but are equally very different players, which is probably why there is such a divide amongst the fans.

Of course, it seems almost certain that both will be part of the matchday squad for the rest of the tournament, but the debate rages as to who will start.

Many fans believe that the Leicester prop has the same amount, if not more power than Vunipola, which makes him a great replacement in the loose.

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This is undeniable, and although he lacks the hands that Vunipola has, the 23-year-old has not got the nickname ‘The Baby Rhino’ for nothing. The combination of Genge and Kyle Sinckler as England props is something that excites the fans a lot, and would definitely be a very imposing pack.

On the other hand, it is the solidity of Moon that is appealing to the other fans. Many argue that the Exeter prop performed expertly in the Autumn in the absence of Vunipola and Genge, and therefore deserves a start at the Principality Stadium. Moon is a better scrummager, and could well come in handy against a Welsh scrum that got the better of the French for the majority of their match at the Stade de France. Furthermore, some have said that Genge offers more as an impact sub.

The fans have also highlighted the depth in this position, which is something that Eddie Jones will be delighted with. Both players have been retained in the squad over the weekend, and will know that they have just over a week to prove that they can start in Cardiff.

This is what the fans had to say:
https://twitter.com/AndrewBartletta/status/1095637797766156289
https://twitter.com/DannyBoy79/status/1095619994610749440
https://twitter.com/foxesfan75/status/1095577912789610496
https://twitter.com/zonalfire/status/1095436797818138625
https://twitter.com/Benjywoolley/status/1095431577834790912
https://twitter.com/RobDebenham/status/1095395429724884993
https://twitter.com/jackwedderkop/status/1095354539794939904
https://twitter.com/LittleChief69/status/1095360228101623809
https://twitter.com/JamesDa87194302/status/1095650337233354753
https://twitter.com/ryanjandrew2/status/1095596610795589632
https://twitter.com/Davyshark1/status/1095390904406417411
https://twitter.com/tychoanomaly/status/1095378800903364609
https://twitter.com/woodwardnl/status/1095350408980115456
https://twitter.com/dannyjt10/status/1095349590616887298

Huge blow for England as Mako Vunipola is ruled out of #sixnations. Silver lining has to be Ben Moon’s showing in Autumn. Nonetheless, massive setback ?

— James Savundra (@JamesSavundra) February 12, 2019