Steve Borthwick defends World Cup selection with Billy Vunipola ‘in great shape’

Steve Borthwick has defended his decision to pick only one specialist number eight in England’s World Cup squad by stating Billy Vunipola is in the shape of his life.

Henry Slade’s absence from the 33 players who will depart for France next month provided the biggest selection shock, but close behind was the omission of Alex Dombrandt.

England’s first-choice number eight throughout the Six Nations failed to make the required impression in Saturday’s final trial match against Wales, which ended in a tame 20-9 defeat.

Vunipola is the only option with expertise in the position, but the 30-year-old Saracen has been sidelined since mid-April after undergoing two knee surgeries and has yet to play under Borthwick.