In the local paper’s front page wrap of Saturday’s match here the Hokkaido Shimbun was pleased to report to its readers that everything had gone off smoothly at the Sapporo Dome, with the exception of a single subway train to the ground, which had run precisely three minutes late. The express that hit Billy Vunipola during Sunday’s game, on the other hand, arrived right on time. It was called Zane Kapeli and it caught him flush in the chest just as he was breaking into a sprint upfield off the back of a lineout. Vunipola staggered backwards, fell flat on his backside and blinked in disbelief.
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Written by Andy Bull at the Sapporo Dome
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/sep/22/billy-vunipola-england-tonga-rugby-world-cup-pool-c under the title “Billy Vunipola is unbowed after facing the music in Tonga’s hit parade | Andy Bull”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
