The No8’s Kiwi analysis is not only clear and concise but also of direct relevance to the impending Six Nations opener in that if there is any niggle it is hardly unjust to expect much of it to come from the French.
On the other hand, if the England forwards impose themselves as strongly as they did during their autumn series – even against New Zealand, when Vunipola was at least Read’s equal – it scarcely matters what snide tricks the home players may get up to.
Vunipola is only just 21 and has only five caps but already appears a back-row fixture between England’s august leadership pillars Chris Robshaw and Tom Wood.
Forwards coach Graham Rowntree commends him as the fast learner he needs to be after Saracens’ French misadventure.
“As a team, maybe we got our tactics wrong by running into the power source, into their big forwards,†said Vunipola. “They drained our energy so that we couldn’t get any go-forward. This week we have looked at other areas we can attack and get field position.
“Hopefully England will go better than Saracens did. Toulouse outnumbered us and beat us in the breakdown, stole our ball, and we couldn’t get any momentum. That was why we struggled so much. The crowd got on our backs and we couldn’t get them off.â€
This is of direct relevance to England, not least with Vunipola again going head-to-head with France’s great Toulousain free spirit Louis Picamoles. Vunipola’s view that his side, unlike Saracens, will have to use more rapier and less bludgeon is explicit.
This applies to Vunipola as much as any Englishman.
Article source: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/rugby-rpa-set-online-free-agent-list-123940260--spt.html
England"s Billy Vunipola calling for All Blacks spirit against France
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