Mako Vunipola says it's no surprise that James Ryan has been named as Ireland's captain for the first time in place of the injured Johnny Sexton.
Vunipola's England host Ryan and his Ireland team-mates in an Autumn Nations Cup clash at Twickenham on Saturday.
Keith Earls compared Ryan to second row great Paul O'Connell and Red Rose prop Vunipola said: "I'm definitely not surprised.
"He has shown that he is one of the leading second-rows, not only in Europe but in world rugby, the way he plays and puts himself in the front line.
"Just from watching I think he's going to lead by example. He's been a key player for them.
"He's a massive influence in terms of how he gets his hands on the ball, his involvements around the park, his tackles...numbers I can't really reel off.
"He's always involved in the big moments for them and it will be no different this weekend I imagine."
Meanwhile Italy's clash with Fiji has been cancelled due to 29 Covid cases in the Fijian camp.
France were awarded a 28-0 victory over the Pacific Islanders for having to pull out of last week's fixture.
