Mako Vunipola rips up rule-book for 20st forwards with his tricky feet and silky skills – now Eddie Jones feels the prop is outshining even most backs in the Premiership
MAKO VUNIPOLA is ripping up the rule-book of what 20st forwards can do with his tricky feet and silky skills.
And England boss Eddie Jones believes that the Saracens play-making prop is turning into a world-class dynamo — even out-shining most of the Premiership’s backs.
The 25-year-old has made the Red Rose loosehead shirt his own since Joe Marler pulled out of the Australia tour due to personal issues.
And Jones said: “We’re so lucky in England to have him.
“Mako’s work-rate has got better and he’s fitter. He is just backing his skills a bit more.
“He can carry the ball to the line and pass. There are probably only six or seven backs in England who can do it.
“So when you’ve got a tight forward doing that it brings a different variety to your game.”
Vunipola will need his outrageous skill and raw power when England face South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday week.
Having not beaten the Springboks since 2006 Jones wants to end ten years of hurt and today he takes the squad to Portugal for a tough beach training camp.
Jones said: “It’s a bit of everything — technical, physical, social and psychological.”
Sale’s Josh Beaumont, son of ex-England captain Bill, has been called up as cover for Courtney Lawes, who has a knee injury.
