ENGLAND’S Billy Vunipola is likely to face stiffer tests of his ability at number eight than in the victory over Scotland last Saturday, believes his friend from Thornbury David Parry-Jones.

The former Castle School student and ex-Thornbury Broncos RFC player was named as the man of the match for a barnstorming performance as England got their RBS Six Nations Championship off to a flying start with a 15-6 Murrayfield Calcutta Cup victory.

And Vunipola believes the more relaxed atmosphere in the camp under new national coach Eddie Jones and It was also the best possible start for new national coach Eddie Jones who singled out Vunipola, now with Saracens and a vice captain of England behind skipper Dylan Hartley, as having the potential to go far.

Jones said: “I tell Billy every day how good he can be. Every player needs to have a dream. As a coach, one of your jobs is to give them dreams.

“I don’t want him to be the best number eight in the Premiership, I want him to be the best number eight in the world. And he can do that.”

Vunipola was against Scottish number eight David Denton, who had a quiet game.

Former referee and Vunipola’s friend Parry-Jones thought he had an “excellent game”, adding: “He can surely progress further.

“However, I thought the Scottish back row were not as effective as England and were dwarfed by his performance.

“Billy will come head-to-head with stronger number eights in the remaining fixtures. (Italy’s Sergio Parisse) on Sunday, then Jamie Heaslip (Ireland), then Toby Faletau (Wales) and ending with (Louis Picamoles) if he is fit for France after tearing his hamstring on Saturday.

“It might be difficult to achieve superiority over all four but, if he does or at least gets parity, then I would consider he has every chance to progress to greater things.”

Having the responsibility of leadership has added to Vunipola’s armoury.

“It was interesting to note that he is one of the vice captains. I’ve no doubt that he will be effective in this role. He always appeared confident and not afraid to tell referees what the decision should be,” said Parry-Jones “In Billy’s own words, he’s enjoying working with the new coach, which, I think, says it all of the new regime.”

Jones’ holistic approach to shaping Vunipola into a world class player is appreciated by the former Thornbury back row.

Vunipola said: “I respond to the love and compassion Eddie shows the boys, me especially. He is very personable.

“He has been really good for me since he came in. He has just filled me with confidence and that is something I thrive on.

“I don’t need someone to shout at me. I know what I have to do. I just need someone to reassure me and look after me.”

Vunipola insists England are benefitting from being allowed to socialise more than under the previous regime, when players were told not to drink even at the end of a tournament.

After last autumn’s World Cup demise, Vunipola declared that the squad would have benefited from going down the pub and it is a philosophy that has been shared by Jones.

“We have had a few bonding sessions. It’s important for me to know what someone else is about, what motivates them, whether that be their family or scoring tries,” said the number eight.

“You just try to help them or the team in that way. It’s something you can’t really measure or see but I definitely think it works.

“For some reason, we’ve taken that tack this time and hopefully it’ll work for us in the long run. It’s too early to tell but I’m enjoying being with the boys and being in camp."