England's Billy Vunipola doubtful starter for Fiji clash
England's Billy Vunipola is a doubt against Fiji because of 'upper body soreness'
©PA
Bath lock Dave Attwood is certain to miss England's clash against Fiji at Twickenham while Saracens number eight Billy Vunipola is a doubtful starter to the game on Saturday.
Vunipola, who has made 30 international appearance for England suffered a "upper body soreness" during his clash with Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth.
Etzebeth left the field in the 30th minute of the game which his team went on to lose 37-21 to England and has already been ruled out of Springboks' clash against Italy.
Vunipola on the other hand carried on till the 70th minute before he was eventually replaced by Attwood. An update on the former England Under-20's fitness will be issued on Wednesday morning and in the probability of him being ruled out, Eddie Jones might hand Fiji-born back-row Nathan Hughes his first start.
Meanwhile, Attwood, who replaced Vunipola in the closing stage of the game suffered a knee injury and is expected to be fit in time for the clash against Argentina.
"We've got a few bumps and bruises. Dave Attwood is having his knee treated. He's having an injection on his knee and is then returning to Bath, so is unavailable," forwards coach Steve Borthwick said.
Borthwick also believes the trio of Hughes, prop Kyle Sinckler and centre Ben Te'o, who made their England debut after they were named on the bench during the game against South Africa for the first time can step up if the situation demands.
"They all did very well. What was noticeable for me was the ovation the players got from the supporters as they were leaving the field," Borthwick said.
"When the guys came on for their own cap the cheer they got was brilliant and that's a big moment in any player's career.
"They did really well and it improves the competitiveness in our squad, making selection harder, which is what Eddie wants.
"All three players bring a lot of power and explosiveness to the field. They have some special talents and now they've experienced the Test arena. They'll get better and better the more experience they'll get."
