Billy Vunipola returned to training today - four days before England’s biggest rugby match for four years.
The star number eight has been a major doubt for Saturday’s quarter-final clash with Australia since coming off with an injured ankle at half-time in England’s pool win over Argentina.
He failed to train with team mates during England’s unscheduled stop in Miyazaki following the cancellation of their game against France on Saturday.
And when asked on Monday about his prospects of taking on the Wallabies, scrum coach Neal Hatley said: “We will see. We will make a decision over the next few days.”
But in the picturesque city of Beppu, surrounded by volcanic mountains and hot springs on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, Vunipola was seen limbering up before a full-on session.
With media privy only to the first 20 minutes, during which England offer up nothing of worth, it is yet to be established how he fared when his ankle was put under stress.
But his very presence is encouraging ahead of a game which could define Eddie Jones’ four years in charge.
Jones spent much of the session in conversation with Ricky Stuart, the Australian rugby legend invited into England’s camp ahead of the clash with his homeland.
Mark Wilson and Jack Nowell were notable absentees from the session.
