1
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
Continue reading below…
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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
Comments on RugbyPass
After missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
10 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
10 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
10 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
10 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
10 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to comments