Billy Vunipola's six-minute hat trick, his first in senior rugby, helped England to a 41-21 victory over a South American XV and completed a memorable weekend for the entire family.

Vunipola's first England start in Montevideo came the day after his elder brother, Mako, and his cousin, Toby Faletau, had made their debuts for the British and Irish Lions in Hong Kong.

"I spoke to my brother on Friday night and I just said good luck to him. I am really happy for him and Toby to be playing," Vunipola said after England's seven-try win.

"He texted me saying 'good luck, concentrate on the things I do well like carrying the ball and not get overawed by the occasion of playing for England for the first time'.

Stuart Lancaster, the head coach, admitted his side were given a valuable wake-up call ahead of the forthcoming two-Test series against Argentina. On top of Vunipola's hat trick, Ben Foden scored twice and there were tries from captain Tom Wood and Paul Doran-Jones as England came from behind to win.

The South America XV – comprising players from Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Chile – dominated the first and last quarters of the match.