Murray is a big loss for Ireland

bit of angst and anxiety when the big brother is looking over the fence.”

Jones, who has also recalled Bath wing Anthony Watson, acknowledged “most teams” would experience a natural dip after sealing the title but he is promising England will raise their game from the 61-21 destruction of Scotland last weekend.

“We are going to play better on Saturday,” he said. “When I said, ‘Most teams’ we are not, ‘Most teams’. We are a different team, we’ve shown that, and we are ready to take it to another level on Saturday. We know the pitfalls of what can happen and we know how much the Irish dislike the English, how much they like spoiling the party and how much they like winning at home. We know all those things and we have to be good enough to deal with them.

“But we’re a better team than when we won the Grand Slam 12 months ago. We’re more adaptive, more resilient and more self-reliant.”

Vunipola’s reinstatement, after playing half an hour off the bench against Scotland, cements Jones’ confidence, although the No8 admitted to feeling off the pace with just 72 minutes in the tank for Saracens since a three-month injury lay-off.

“It was tough because I’ve only played one game. This level is obviously a bit faster, a bit more physical,” said Vunipola.

“I was struggling a bit and then when the game finished I suddenly found my second wind. I’ll push towards improving the team. It’s not about myself, it’s about the whole team and I’m just here to help.”