Barnstorming Billy can put the frighteners on
BEN Youngs insists the potential return of “the world’s best No.8” for the Calcutta Cup clash at Twickenham is bad news for Scotland.
The scrum-half insists Billy Vunipola’s comeback can help lift them mentally and physically. Saracens star Vunipola, left, is set to be thrown back into the international spotlight by Eddie Jones as long as he proves his fitness and form for his club against Newcastle Falcons today and comes through unscathed.
The 24-year-old has recovered sufficiently from the knee injury sustained against Argentina in November, which many feared would rule him out of the tournament completely, to be ready to start in the champions’ match at Kingston Park.
Twickenham fans will be delighted by the news, and Youngs insists the prospect of the influential forward donning the white jersey for the remaining two Six Nations games with Scotland and Ireland is just what England require following three less than convincing victories over France, Wales and Italy.
The Leicester Tigers man said: “I’ve played with Billy and also, unfortunately, against him, and on his day he is the best No.8 in the world.
“I don’t think other players can do what he does. No.8s can suck in players but not many can carry two, three defenders and physically impose himself from minute one until the 80th.
“He’s not a guy who waits for the game to come to him because he is just absolutely on it from the start. Every time you get out as a nine you know that Billy is there.
“We’re very fortunate to have him and Nathan Hughes. Nathan has come in and been terrific again, but Billy is a world class operator.
“When you have someone like that possibly coming back in it adds confidence to the side, and probably puts a dent in teams that see his name on the team sheet so that is good.
“Also I think we still have not quite hit our stride yet. We have not nailed a performance.
But I really think that could come against Scotland. When it does I think everyone will see just how far we have come.”
