Martin Corry, captain the last time England were in as deep a World Cup hole as they are now, has told Stuart Lancaster’s team to hold their nerve and not panic.
World Cup disciplinary chiefs have banned Fiji star Nemani Nadolo for one week for a risky tackle, ruling him out of the Pacific Islanders key match with Wales.
In a major blow to England’s chances of overturning their perilous position in Pool A of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, injury has ruled Billy Vunipola out for the remainder of the competition.
England No.8 Billy Vunipola is ruled out of the remainder of the Rugby World Cup with a knee injury, with Nick Easter taking his place in the Red Rose squad.
Speaking on Sunday at the Wales team base, assistant coach and defence specialist Shaun Edwards confirmed there is potential for fresh injury setbacks.
There had been fears the 28-year-old could be cited after his shin connected with Welsh fullback Liam Williams’ head 14 minutes from time as the back-row forward attempted to hack a loose ball towards Wales’ line.
Bernard Foley put the Wallabies in front early with a penalty but mid-way through the first half, Nemani Nadolo levelled the score with one of his own.
Lancaster reshuffled his side in an attempt to nullify Wales, including the introduction of Owen Farrell for George Ford, but they ultimately came up short against their Pool A rivals who snatched a 28-25 victory.
Only when Lancaster virtually emptied his bench around the hour mark was there a notable change, with Billy and Mako Vunipola making immediate and direct progress, the team finally building multiple phases that finally had the islanders running out of steam and leaving holes.
“We see it as a great opportunity to come up against a very good and extremely stiff opposition, a team that is immeasurably passionate about playing for their country”.