My eight is great: coach Eddie Jones hails Billy Vunipola as bedrock of new England
Man-of-the-match number eight immense in 15-9 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield
England coach Eddie Jones hailed Billy Vunipola as potentially the best number eight in the world after the Saracens back-rower played a major role in the 15-9 win over Scotland.
Lock George Kruis and wing Jack Nowell scored the tries and inside-centre Owen Farrell kicked a conversion and a penalty as an England side captained by hooker Dylan Hartley overcame a disappointing Scotland in their Six Nations opener on Saturday.
Jones, overseeing his first match as England coach, singled out man-of-the-match Vuniopla for special praise.
He’s 22 years old, so imagine when he gets a credit rating how good he’s going to be
“I’ve read all the articles about him being too slow to play No 8, so he’s doing a pretty good job as a slow No 8,” said the Australian, England’s first overseas head coach.
“I thought he was outstanding in his carry in and his defensive work.
“He can be the best No 8 in the world. I have no doubt about that.
“He’s a big guy with footwork. He hasn’t used footwork much but he’s finally using it. He’s a fine reader of the game. He knows when to attack off the scrum-half.