England: Billy Vunipola ready to prove himself again to Eddie Jones

David Skippers

Despite shining on England’s recent tour to Australia, Billy Vunipola believes he will have to prove himself to Eddie Jones again ahead of the upcoming Autumn internationals.

The 29-year-old is in superb form for his club Saracens and delivered a man-of-the-match performance in their Round Two win over Harlequins at Twickenham Stoop before also shining in a dramatic 41-39 triumph over Gloucester at StoneX Stadium on Saturday.

Vunipola was left out of England’s squad for last year’s Autumn Tests but earned a recall for the Red Rose’s three-Test series against the Wallabies in Australia after Alex Dombrandt and Sam Simmonds were sidelined through injury.

And although he was one of England‘s star performers during their 2-1 series triumph, Vunipola is aware that his rivals are ready to reassert themselves.

“The World Cup is obviously a goal, but my focus has to be on what’s right in front of me rather than what’s further down the line,” Vunipola said.

Keen to improve

“I was pleased with how it went but I can be better. I can still be fitter. That’s the challenge for me. It’s an exciting challenge for me.

“I don’t think I re-established myself. I feel like I put myself in position to ask questions to be selected again, but I can only do that if I’m playing well week in week out.

“You never know what can happen, what’s around the corner, which is why it’s important to focus on day to day.

“When you fall over yourself is when you don’t focus on the hurdle that’s right in front of you.”

He admits it was not a difficult decision to end the 10-week stand down period for players involved in England’s Australian tour early by returning to action ahead of schedule against Harlequins.

“It’s a toss up for me. It’s either running without the ball or playing. What would you do?! It was an easy one for me,” he said.

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