Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

In-form Australia will punish careless England, says Vunipola

England head coach Eddie Jones cut a frustrated figure and the Australian described the game as a "grindathon" with Argentina's errant kicking the deciding factor.

In-form Australia will punish careless England, says Vunipola
(Reuters)

Vunipola, who has 43 caps, echoed their coach's words and the 26-year-old is wary of an in-form Wallabies side who are unbeaten in seven games.

"We have to look at the game, see where we can improve and take the learning otherwise... Australia (given) the team they are at the moment and the form they're in at the moment, they'll take you apart," Vunipola told British media.

"We're going into it with a new slate, new opportunities to perform better than we did and we know Australia will be a tough opponent and one we're looking forward to.

"We know we've got areas to work on. But the important thing was coming out, getting the win. We know we were rusty in certain elements."

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Vunipola identified a lack of discipline as a major problem for England who are ranked second in the world behind New Zealand and have won 20 of their 21 tests under Jones.

"You've got to take the learning from it, you can't brush things under the carpet. There were some good bits as well. I think we defended pretty well," he said.

"Unfortunately our discipline wasn't too great in allowing them out too easily. And as a team that's something we've got to address. But all in all a good first hit out, with much work to do."

England also host Samoa on Nov. 25.

(Reporting by Aditi Prakash in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)


2 min read

Published

Source: Reuters



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world