Forwards coach Graham Rowntree has heaped praise on rookie prop Mako Vunipola, who was named in England's squad for the November internationals on Thursday.
The 130kg, 21-year-old Saracens loosehead, son of former Tonga international Fe'ao Vunipola, has been fast-tracked in to the England squad having made just four Premiership starts for Saracens and one in the Heineken Cup.
But Rowntree felt Vunipola's form was simply too good to ignore as England looked for a replacement for Alex Corbisiero, who is still recovering from a knee injury.
"I have no doubt he will make his name in this autumn series. I have got every confidence in him," Rowntree said.
"I am looking for a fault in his game and I can't find one at the moment.
"He has got himself fit, very fit. His form has been exceptional.
"I like his commitment to every aspect of the game. He is a dynamic ball-carrier and he loves a scrum and you know that turns me on!
"He respects all the hard yards, the tackling, the clearing out, the scrummaging. He has got his priorities right."
"Mako brings something different to the party," added assistant coach Andy Farrell, who coached Vunipola at Saracens.
"He turned professional 18 months ago when he came to Saracens and that took its toll on his body straight away.
"It is not easy, especially as a front-row forward, to cope with the demands of the Premiership but he has got his body in such a condition now that he is playing exceptionally well.
"His form this year has been down to a change of attitude. He has grown up a lot over the last six months.
"He has got stuck into his living outside of rugby, his fitness, his training is second to none."
Vunipola was born in Wellington, New Zealand but relocated to Wales when his father - who won 32 caps for Tonga signed for Pontypool in 1998. He qualifies for Wales but has always always aimed to play for England, having worn the rose at U18 and U20 level.
Comments
lawynd says...
@heart_of_oak - exactly, but instead of a prodigious talent for rugby I was given a prodigious talent for eating pies.
Posted 15:54 01st November 2012
heart_of_oak says...
lawynd - you mean like George North ?
Posted 16:07 30th October 2012
lawynd says...
@APV1 - I do have my moments, especially for a Norfolk boy. ;)
Posted 12:09 30th October 2012
APV1 says...
@ lawynd - thanks for that. It actually made sense, despite me thinking all Tigers fans were dim!
;-)
Posted 11:22 29th October 2012
lawynd says...
@APV1 - I had it explained to me once that it is indeed about ratio between leg length and torso length. I'm 6'3" but 'regular' length trousers and jeans are almost slightly too long for me...I'm tall, and even taller when sat down! Sheridan has a similar body ratio...sadly that's where the similarities stop! It can be managed but means a lot of strength and conditioning training for your trunk and core, which is one of the reasons Sheridan gained such a reputation for being a gym monkey. The difference here is though that Sheridan and I (yes, I am going to keep saying that) are of Anglo-Saxon and/or Nordic stock, so have a different blend of speed and power to those of Polynesian descent; Mako is almost built for the position, you might say.
Posted 10:34 29th October 2012
paulynz says...
@heart_of_oak
Agreed.
While Tonga can take credit for his genes the England Rugby system can fairly take credit for his rugby education and consequently his elevation into the latest English Rugby squad.
I'm sure that his family are immensely proud of what he's achieved and appreciate the part that the RFU has played in that achievement.
Posted 21:51 27th October 2012
heart_of_oak says...
All those who reckon Sukkadoits is complemeting Tongan genetics, ok, maybe that is indeed what he meant. So I guess it follows that Vunipola's great Aunt Peggy would have made a fine prop too. But what I meant was that this guy has learnt all his rugby here in England and while I greatly admire how a small nation like Tonga can produce so many great players, lets not lose sight of the contribution of English clubs.
Posted 11:42 27th October 2012
Bones7 says...
panda101, i agree completely regarding Wood, he's consistently excellent and never gets a look in. Matt Mullins is similar as well for Worcester but he's not received the international recognition he has deserved. I'm not entirely sold on Corbisiero if I'm honest, his scrummaging isn't spectacular and he doesn't do a massive amount round the park although he isn't a bad player by any means.
Posted 21:01 26th October 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
Mat Mullins might disagree.
@heartofoak: I think he's complimenting his genetic make up. Don't think england clubs made his Dad an international? Too defensive.
Posted 19:12 26th October 2012
APV1 says...
@ heathy - he looks tall, too, which may need monitoring. I've heard that tall props can struggle later in their careers if they have a long back. Didn't Sheridan have to take time off for this?
But I'd rather he was running with me than towards me, that's for sure!
Posted 15:57 26th October 2012
jehosophat says...
@LondonWasp - I thought exactly the same thing - more 41 than 21!
I hope he turns out well. I like Corbisiero, shame he is injured, but if it gives England a chance to try props like Vunipola and Marler that can scrummage and get involved in open play as well, then great. I have not seen enough of the England tight 5 away from the set-piece in recent years for my liking.
Posted 13:53 26th October 2012
crunchfit says...
@heart_of_oak
I assume he's talking about his genetics. Even if he is English, they are not.
Posted 13:15 26th October 2012
heathy says...
How time flies. I remember his father coming over and playing for Pontypridd and I managed to speak to his family who came to watch one of the games. I remember this chubby young boy which was Mako. The family were really shy and had no idea what to expect as getting contracts for playing rugby was still fairly new for these guys back then. The thing is with these Tongans are big buggers. They develop into the size of an ox at a young age. However, their diet needs to be managed for sport or they just become huge unfit units. It is clear that Mako has looked at this and also learned a lot over the last couple of years. Clearly had the potential and is from good stock but needed a rugby brain. Yes, even at 21 these guys look like 40 ha ha. They are big beasts too. We will have to bear with this lad as he learns what international rugby is all about but if he is dedicated then he will be just fine. This guy is absolutely one to watch and in a few seasons he will be awesome. Not an automatic starter just yet but he soon will be. Good shout SL to get him in an England shirt. Sorry Tonga but his home is now here and has been since he was a kid. Wales have been continually sniffing but he wanted to play for England which is great for us.
Posted 13:08 26th October 2012
panda101 says...
Why has Gloucesters Nick Wood been ignored yet again?! Nick and Joe Marler are clearly the best two loose heads in the Premiership!
Posted 12:14 26th October 2012
LondonWasp says...
christ, each and every photo just makes him look older and older. he could be almost forty in this picture!
Posted 11:12 26th October 2012
heart_of_oak says...
sukkadoits - since he learnt his rugby in England, I assume you're complementing the various English clubs for which he has played.
Posted 09:03 26th October 2012
crunchfit says...
Always nice to see a coach willing to take a chance when the time's right. Nothing to lose. Great idea. Fair play Lancaster and those involved in the choice.
Posted 21:22 25th October 2012
sukkadoits says...
There is no power in the world like Tongan power, when harnessed and nurtured correctly.
Posted 20:25 25th October 2012