Six Nations
Mar 11, 2017 at 4pm UK
England
61-21
Scotland
Joseph (2', 24', 42'), Watson (34'), Vunipola (56'), Care (71', 83')
FT
Reid (28'), Jones (49', 68')
Rugby Union

Billy Vunipola in line for England start?

Fit-again number eight Billy Vunipola is expected to make an immediate return to the England starting lineup after pictures hinted at the team's plans to face Scotland.
By , Staff Reporter
Filed:
Updated: Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 10:49 UK

Billy Vunipola could be in line for an immediate return to the England starting XV after a picture was taken appearing to show Eddie Jones's plans for Saturday's Six Nations clash with Scotland.

Vunipola made his long-awaited return for Saracens during their Premiership victory over Newcastle Falcons on Sunday, ending a three-month spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.

England have already confirmed that the number eight will be involved in the 23-man squad for the match at Twickenham, and pictures from the team's training base in Surrey this afternoon appeared to confirm that he would be restored straight into the starting lineup.

Two whiteboards positioned at the side of the training pitch displayed formations for the session, and Vunipola's name was included at number eight in place of Nathan Hughes.

The apparent plans also hinted at three more changes, with Jack Nowell, Jonathan Joseph and Ben Youngs now expected to replace Jonny May, Ben Te'o and Danny Care.

Victory for England would see them claim the Calcutta Cup and Triple Crown in addition to moving within one match of a second consecutive Grand Slam title.

A win would also equal New Zealand's record of 18 consecutive Test victories and could be enough to wrap up the championship should Wales beat Ireland on Friday.

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