9:33am Thursday 11th March 2010
FORMER Castle School pupil Billy Vunipola scored a late try to secure victory for England under-18s against Italy in Calvisano on Sunday.
Koree Britton and Vunipola struck in the last ten minutes of the game in the 28-12 win to extend England’s winning run at this level to 15 internationals since the summer of 2007.
Powerful London Wasps flanker Vunipola missed the 33-16 win against France at Newbury last month but returned to the fold after recovering from an ankle injury sustained in the 30-28 win over Australian Schools in December.
Hartpury College and Gloucester scrum half Dan Robson struck in the second minute from a quickly-taken penalty. Flanker Sam Northcote-Green added a second 20 minutes later and captain George Ford converted all four tries.
Meanwhile, Billy’s older brother Mako has been named in the England under-20s squad to face Scotland at Firhill in Glasgow on Friday night.
The 130kg tight head prop, who has been impressing at Championship side Bristol recently, will be in a matchday squad for the first time at that level.
He is one of ten changes to the side that lost to Ireland 25-10 last month.
England won the opening two games of the U20 RBS 6 Nations against Wales (33-16) and Italy (16-10) and are tied at the top of the table with Ireland and Wales.
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