Chance for Moon to step forward as Vunipola woe opens door

overseen by Saracens. It is a hammer blow that clouds the countdown to a likely title decider against Wales in Cardiff on 23 February.

Vunipola was named man of the match as Ireland were crushed 32-20 in Dublin on the opening weekend and he was superb against France until injury struck to his left ankle.

England head coach Eddie Jones said: “It’s obviously very disappointing to lose Mako at this stage as he’s an important player for us, but it does provide an opportunity for the team to grow.”

Vunipola also missed the entire autumn series due to a calf strain, giving Exeter’s Ben Moon his opportunity to break into the England team.

Moon and Ellis Genge have made one replacement appearance each so far in the Six Nations and are competing to fill the void.

Moon is the more accomplished set-piece option while Genge displays greater dynamism around the pitch.

England have not given up hope of Maro Itoje being involved against Wales as the second row totem recovers from a knee ligament tear.

Itoje has been ruled out until the final two rounds of the tournament and Jones has floated the possibility of a bench role in Cardiff.

Dylan Hartley will definitely be absent from the Principality Stadium, however, and could also miss the rest of the title quest due to a knee problem.

Hartley’s unavailability has not been felt due to the barnstorming form of Jamie George, but former England and British and Lions hooker Lee Mears believes Hartley will reclaim the No 2 jersey when fit.

“Eddie has been really loyal to Dylan and I can’t see Eddie changing that,” said Mears.

“Jamie has been brilliant for a while and he hasn’t been disappointing in any way, but I think Eddie will stick with Dylan because of his leadership skills.”

Meanwhile, Wales No 8 Taulupe Faletau has been ruled out of the remainder of the Guinness Six Nations.

The 28-year-old needs to undergo surgery on the broken arm he suffered against Wasps in the Champions Cup last month. It was hoped Faletau would return for the final two rounds against Scotland and Ireland but Wales boss Warren Gatland must now complete the tournament without the Bath No 8.

Faletau was due to be in Gatland’s original 40-man squad for the Six Nations before a second broken arm of the season ruled him out.

The Wasps match was Faletau’s first appearance following a 13-week absence after his first arm fracture.

England are reeling after front-row colossus Mako Vunipola was ruled out of the remainder of the Guinness Six Nations by an ankle injury.

Vunipola hobbled off the field in the 44th minute of Sunday’s 44-8 demolition of France at Twickenham and a scan has revealed that he requires 10 weeks of rehabilitation that will be