Vunipola set for battle with old friend Faletau

Billy Vunipola will resume a rivalry with opposite number Toby Faletau that first began when scrapping as youngsters in their back gardens.

Vunipola and Faletau will lock horns in England's pivotal World Cup clash with Wales at Twickenham on Saturday that will see the long-standing RBS 6 Nations rivals attempt to place one foot in the quarter-finals.

Vunipola and his brother Mako are cousins of the British and Irish Lions back row and the trio grew up together in Wales before their families moved and opposing national allegiances were sworn.

"When we were in Wales it was always Toby and my brother against me and Toby's brother Josh," Vunipola said.

"It would always break into a fight and Toby would probably win the fight. He always used to beat me up, not the other way round. But we always used to win the rugby.

"Toby and I might be opposite numbers on Saturday, but the flow of the game means you don't get to target another player. Toby is more of Kieran Read style of player.

"He is very quick, great over the ball, great in the lineout, great with ball in hand. I'm different, more fourth front-rower."