England's squad has sparked fears that too much is expected of Billy Vunipola
After Eddie Jones announced on Monday his final 31-man England squad for the World Cup, fans are expecting a lot from No8 Billy Vunipola.
Fresh from a man of the match performance against Wales at Twickenham on Sunday, the Saracens back row has long been one of England’s best and most influential players. However, the RWC squad announcement has heaped additional pressure on him.
Jones’ initial World Cup training squad in July had Brad Shields and Mark Wilson listed as the two players who could be Vuniploa’s back-up in the No8, although both are primarily flankers.
An injury to Shields saw Harlequins’ Alex Dombrandt come into the squad, a player who is much more accustomed to playing at the base of the scrum. However, neither Shields nor Dombrandt made the final squad, meaning there is no clear-cut back up to 26-year-old Vunipola should he need a rest.
This development has surprised some fans on social media, as Dombrandt’s versatility in the back row could have proven crucial in Japan.
Eddie Jones has named his 31-man England squad for the Rugby World Cuphttps://t.co/K41hq4OZmT
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) August 12, 2019
Wilson deputised last autumn as a No8 while Vunipola was injured and while he did a great job, his best position is clearly No6. But that is perhaps why Jones has not opted for another eight in the squad, as simply no one competes with Vunipola.
While fellow specialist Nathan Hughes had been a mainstay in Jones’ squads over the past four years, the Australian may have reached the conclusion that it is futile having another eight in the squad as Vunipola will ultimately play as much a possible as he is a world-class player.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1BxzxYA3Bv/
This is not necessarily a rare decision in Test rugby. The All Blacks are unlikely to name an eight behind captain Kieran Read. Rather they will rely on flanker Ardie Savea being able to move to the back of the scrum when needed. Likewise, after the injury to Taulupe Faletau, Wales will only have Ross Moriarty in the squad as an out-and-out eight.
If fit, Vuniplola is always going to start in the key pool games against France and Argentina and also any knockout games. But with games against the USA and Tonga only four days apart, that is when the services of Wilson may be needed in order to give Vunipola a break as he is also likely to play a full 80 minutes in every game.
While Jones may have given himself the luxury of being able to rotate players around during the World Cup in other positions, his squad is a statement that a lot is expected from Vunipola. Fans on Twitter seem very aware of this and this is what has been said:
Happy with the Backrow, but a case could definitely be made for Dombrandt. With no Hughes, is there enough size or destructive ball carriers? Aus probably proved that this isn't a necessity though given they played without any true no 8 in their 2015 campaign. #RWC2019
— Conor R Dolan (@ConorDolan01) August 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/TNODonoghue/status/1160895311381970944?s=20
Its a huge risk IMO to only take Billy as a genuine 8. He picks up injuries frequently and basically they expect him to play 80 most games. Do we really expect to win the WC if he gets injured and Wilson has to go 8? A lot of flaws to just taking Billy IMO.
— For Rucks Sake (@RucksSake) August 12, 2019
Scrum half light for me, basically Youngs and Heinz are gonna have to play a lot of rugby. I'd have sacrificed an outside back. Billy Vunipola is going to have to a lot of game time as well, Mark Wilson can back up there but he's going to be starting at 6.
— Phil (@_PhilWorld) August 12, 2019
Genuine thought here – assuming EJ intends on going the distance and winning the WC, he is expecting both Ben Youngs and Heinz to both play every single game of the WC between them? Am i nuts for thinking thats nuts? And similar…Billy Vunipola 80 minutes most games.
— For Rucks Sake (@RucksSake) August 12, 2019
Perhaps the most concerning thing for some English fans is the fact that Vunipola has been through a few injury-plagued years. In light of this, it may be unnecessary to overwork him in games or situations where he may not be needed.
Then again, he has also shown to be an indispensable member of Jones’ squad as he strengthens the team immeasurably.
WATCH: Jonathan Joseph tells RugbyPass about his Sunday at Twickenham and his World Cup selection
Comments on RugbyPass
Mark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
9 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
3 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
1 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
1 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
5 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
9 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
2 Go to comments