Billy Vunipola is an injury concern for England after the No 8 was spotted wearing a protective boot after their win over Argentina.
Vunipola was substituted at half time against Argentina, a game England won 39-10 to guarantee their progress through to the playoffs, after going down with an ankle injury. He is the only player to have started in all of England’s 12 Tests this year.
England have remained cautious over the 26-year-old’s status, saying there would be a clearer picture after the results from his scan returned on Tuesday.
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When probed further on the injury, England scrum coach Neal Hatley denied that Vunipola would need any kind of protective wear on his foot. However, hours before the media conference on Tuesday, an England fan had photographed Vunipola in the team hotel, clearly wearing a protective boot.
#RWC2019– DAY 19 – Think I’ve just walked past Billy Vunipola. He had his leg in a space boot!!! pic.twitter.com/EFwFtmnnZp
— Robert Trembath (@irontrems) October 7, 2019
It appears that Vunipola is in doubt for England’s final pool game against France, which will decide which team finishes first and second in the group. Should Vunipola be ruled out, that would leave Tom Curry or Mark Wilson to deputise at No 8.
Photo: Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images
