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Billy Vunipola appreciates England chance after putting arrogance behind him

England number eight Billy Vunipola vows to repay England's faith in him, as he gets ready for the Wales showdown.

England number eight Billy Vunipola has said that he is focused on improving his game, after thrusting himself back into international contention.

The 22-year-old lost his place during the Autumn Internationals, but he is now set to start for England in their opening Six Nations game with Wales on Friday night.

Vunipola has said that he was arrogant when he was in the team, but he has changed his mentality in recent months.

He told The Telegraph: "I kind of got used to playing at a standard which I felt was normal, but it was obviously a good standard to be able to play for England, but I took advantage of that.

"I felt like every time I stepped on the pitch, I always performed at a level, without working on things that weren't going as well, like my ball-carrying. I wasn't working on things as hard as I should have been and I wasn't taking the time to analyse other teams.

"I was just thinking that my brute size alone would be enough for me and it wasn't. There are people out there who want your position and I didn't appreciate that until I got sent home. I was always moaning all the time when I watched, but now I appreciate being here and realise how lucky I am. Hopefully that will come out in my game on Friday."

Vunipola has 12 caps for England.

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Written by
Charlie Bennett
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