ENGLAND'S defence of their RBS 6 Nations title is to be reinforced by the likely return of Mako Vunipola and Anthony Watson against Italy, with Billy Vunipola potentially available for the climax to the tournament in Dublin.

The Vunipola brothers are to return to the club where they crafted their trade on Saturday, Thornbury RFC, where they will take a training session for the juniors at the club.

Mako is hoping to play for Saracens against Gloucester on Friday which will should, hopefully, put him in line for a place in the squad for the visit of Italy to Twickenham.

England's 21-16 victory over Wales on Saturday has created further momentum around England as they bid to become only the sixth team to defend a Grand Slam.

Strengthening England's hand as they prepare for the visit of Italy to Twickenham in a fortnight is the news that Mako Vunipola and Watson should be ready to make their first international appearances of the year. A knee injury has sidelined Vunipola since September while Watson pulled up with a hamstring problem last month.

"Mako has a big chance. He will play for Saracens next weekend and if he gets through that game OK we will bring him into camp for the Italy week," head coach Eddie Jones said.

"Watson ran at 95 per cent on Friday so we are confident he will be able to play against Italy. It will be great to have him back and we will probably use him.

"Anthony will probably stay with us (rather than play for Bath) because he has not done much rugby with us."

Looming on the horizon is Billy Vunipola's comeback from the knee ligament damage sustained during the autumn and he could be unleashed upon Ireland on March 18 as one of Jones' 'finishers' in what is shaping up to be a title decider.

"Billy might get back for Ireland. He'd be pretty useful off the bench - 150kg," Jones said.

Jones is set to make changes against Italy and will also experiment with playing style, while adding: "It's bloody important we beat Italy and we'll make sure we do."