England CAN fill the void of banned duo Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola for their opening Rugby World Cup games, declare Ben Youngs and Dan Cole

England veterans Ben Youngs, 33, and Dan Cole, 36, insist there is enough strength in their Rugby World Cup squad to face the suspensions of ‘disappointed’ captain Owen Farrell and only number 8 Billy Vunipola.

On Wednesday morning, Vunipola was handed a three-match suspension for a dangerous high tackle during Saturday’s 29-10 loss to Ireland.

Vunipola – who was sent off in Dublin after a bunker review of his high shot at prop Andrew Porter – discovered his penalty just over 12 hours after Farrell was slapped with a late four-match suspension for his high tackle on Wales back rower Taine Basham earlier this month.

It was agreed that Farrell’s suspension would also include last weekend’s warm-up match against Ireland in Dublin, meaning he will miss the next three matches.

The pair are ruled out for Saturday’s final warm-up match against Fiji and the opening two World Cup matches against Argentina (September 9) and Japan (September 17) – although Vunipola could be available for the latter if he completes the World Rugby coaching programme. on tackling.

England will have to do without captain Owen Farrell (left) and Billy Vunipola for the next few games

Farrell was sent off for a high tackle on Taine Basham during England’s win over Wales

Vunipola was punished on Saturday for his high tackle on Irish propagandist Andrew Porter

The scenario is a nightmare for head coach Steve Borthwick, as his preparations are jeopardized

It’s another blow to Borthwick’s already-disrupted plans for glory in France, but Youngs and Cole are confident England can cope in their absence.

‘The mood was good. Obviously we are disappointed to lose two of these guys, but they understand and respect the process, as does the whole squad. These guys are resilient and obviously disappointed they are not available, but we respect the process,” Youngs told Mail Sport at the Wear the Rose event at the O2 Arena.

“We’re in the fortunate position to have depth in these positions, so those guys will support the team and do everything they can to make sure they’re ready when they’re available, but also prepare the team to making sure we’re in a good place. and they will do that work.’

Cole echoed his Leicester Tigers team-mate, adding that the statements now provide greater clarity for all involved moving forward in the near future.

“We just keep training and keep going. We understand that the path will never be smooth, be it suspensions or injuries. Our job as rugby players is to step up, get better and try to improve – and that’s what we do. As players there is empathy, but at the same time we have to continue as a team.

“We now have more clarity because we didn’t know what the outcome of the appeal would be, which left an element of doubt about the squad. Now that we have that clarity, the team can be assembled and trained accordingly, with our focus on Fiji on Saturday and then on to Argentina.

“There will be some adjustments (which Vunipola is missing), but if you look at the game now, No. 8 doesn’t just include a ball-carrying role. We have people in the back row, like Ben Earl and Jack Willis, who have played there at Premiership level. Those guys are obviously different from Billy and the way they play, but at the same time they contribute to the way we want to play. We need that versatility and adaptability in the back row.’

For scrum half Youngs, the rhythm of his game could change as the No. 8/9/10 relationship is an integral part of any side, but he has the greatest confidence in whoever fills these gaps.

Ben Youngs (left) and Dan Cole think England have plenty of power to cover the banned duo

Fly-half George Ford (left) and Ben Earl in the back row are among those who can fill the pair’s void

“They’re key positions, Nos 8 and 10. They’re an integral part of any team, but when you have guys like George Ford and Marcus Smith, they’re exceptionally talented fly-halfs who have a lot of experience, not just at club level , but also at club level. international.

“In the back row we have quite a bit of choice with guys who can play eight. Earl has played eight for Saracens, Tom Curry has played eight for England a number of times – it’s a position you don’t want to lose to anyone. but we did and I trust those guys will come and do a good job.’

Courtney Lawes will be captain until Farrell’s likely return in England’s third group stage match against Chile on September 23 – and Cole has given his full support to the imposing striker.

“He’s brilliant and experienced,” the gag said of the 34-year-old. “As a leader, he leads from the front with his physicality, ball carrying and ability to give front foot. He’s a smart player who has captained England before and I’m sure he will do a fantastic job.’

Courtney Lawes (above) will captain England in Farrell’s absence as Cole speaks effusively about him

Crowned England Rugby’s most unstoppable fan at the O2 event with a full squad of 33 players, winning unlimited tickets to England Rugby’s home games until 2025!