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"Bring it on" - Vunipola relishing South Africa battle

England number eight Billy Vunipola has told South Africa to "bring it on" when they meet in Satu...



England number eight Billy Vunipola has told South Africa to "bring it on" when they meet in Saturday's Rugby World Cup final in Yokohama. 

It's after Springbok lock Lood De Jager promised his team would fight "fire with fire" and "all-out aggression" when they face Eddie Jones' side in Japan on Saturday.

Saracens back-row Vunipola says he's looking forward to the challenge:

"South Africa are very big people but then again we have a few big blokes on our team.

"They have already come out and said they want to fight fire with fire and I guess we return it by saying bring it on."

"What we are going to witness are the two most powerful rugby teams in the world," England's defence coach Mitchell said ahead of the decider, which is a repeat of the 2007 final.

"South Africa are strong and well-coached and the gain line is going to be huge. They play in a particular way, but you must always be prepared for anything that comes at you.

"They have a very clever scrum half in Faf de Klerk, who is sharp. And fly-half Handre Pollard is in really, really good form.

"They have second-rowers who love winning the gain line. They have their own armoury. It's exciting.

"Against New Zealand we dealt with a lot of speed, a lot of footwork, but South Africa are certainly going to be a team that is more direct.

"Pressure is definitely coming to come at us and that asks questions of your fundamentals.

"It will come down to the core basics that are really important to us - supporting your mate on the floor and in the carry.

"Both teams enjoy dominating the gain like and kicking and are effective in that area.

"But we also feel we are very adaptable too - we don't just play one way so that's one of strengths."

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