McCall backs Vunipola for Lions

Saracens coach Mark McCall believes that England prop Mako Vunipola will be on Lions coach Warren Gatland's radar.

Saracens coach Mark McCall believes that England prop Mako Vunipola will be on Lions coach Warren Gatland's radar.

Vunipola impressed off the bench for England against Wales in Cardiff and continued his good form against Harlequins for Saracens for last weekend, with many calling for him to travel to Australia.

“I thought Mako was outstanding,” said McCall to the Enfield Advertiser.

“His first-half performance was right up there with anything I've seen from a loosehead, with the way he carried the ball and the breaks he made, but equally he did very well in the tight.

“He was up against a very good scrummager in James Johnston, and acquitted himself well against him.

“I think that Warren will have been watching Vunipola. If they take five or six props, a prop with a bit of X-factor is worth his weight in gold.

“That also goes for Matt, who's not been playing international rugby, but is available for the Lions and also played pretty well.”