Wednesday 9 November 2016 13:33, UK
England scrum coach Neal Hatley insists Mako Vunipola's rapid set-piece improvement has transformed him into the complete player.
Vunipola has been acclaimed by Alex Corbisiero as the best loosehead in world rugby on the strength of a rampaging start to the season at Saracens.
While his impact in open play has never been doubt, his scrummaging was considered a potential weakness until the recent progress brought about by a technical adjustment.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's Twickenham clash with South Africa, Hatley said: "Mako has been absolutely outstanding for Saracens in the first half of the season.
"There aren't many props in world rugby that can do what he does with the ball in hand. His set piece has come on immeasurably.
"Sometimes people get pigeon-holed as a carrying prop or a scrummaging prop and I think he crosses that divide.
"He's been very sound from a set-piece point of view. We've made a few little technical changes to his bind and that's had a real positive effect.
"There are a lot of good players around, but he's definitely getting there in terms of being the best loosehead in the world. If Corbs said that, it's a pretty good endorsement."
Hatley insists South Africa's threat must not be underestimated despite experiencing their worst run of results for a decade, including a record home defeat to New Zealand.
"They will probably go with a big pack and a big back five in the way they've tried to do for most of the year. It will be a good side," he added.
"They have been in a state of flux, but when they've played well they have been very impressive. The Lions did well in Super Rugby. We're expecting a good side to turn up.
"They have a very good scrum and will probably load up on that back five. There will be big bulk there so it will be a testing day from a scrum point of view."
