KINGSLEY Jones insists Taulupe Faletau is “100 per cent” the British and Irish Lions’ starting number eight for this summer’s three-Test series against the All Blacks.

And the Newport Gwent Dragons chief believes that would still have been the case had England’s Billy Vunipola not pulled out of the tour with a shoulder injury.

Former Dragons star Faletau and Saracens ace Vunipola were expected to go head-to-head in a titanic battle for the pivotal back-row berth ahead of the first Test on June 24.

“Taulupe Faletau is the starting Test number eight for the Lions and would have been however fit Billy Vunipola was,” said Jones.

“He’s the best number eight in the world and in the form of his life.

“He had those injuries earlier in the season but I think those are going to benefit the Lions because he has had a break and looked amazing in his performances for Bath.

“His performance against Gloucester a few weeks ago when he scored three tries was incredible.

“The level of competition for back-row spots with the Lions is massive and there was talk of them playing Taulupe and Billy.

“But for me, Taulupe is “100 per cent” the starting number eight for the Lions, and someone would have to do something special to hoist him from that position.”

He added: “It’s his natural ability and understanding of the game that makes him so good.

“He can perform under pressure at the highest level and hardly make any mistakes.

“He is consistently one of the best players in terms of creating chances for other people.

“I think he would get in the All Blacks team.”

A possible showdown between 66-cap Wales international Faletau and New Zealand skipper Kieran Read might not happen given the latter broke a thumb on April 28.

He underwent an operation on the troublesome digit the same day and now faces a race against time to be fit for the visit of the Lions.

Lions head coach Warren Gatland called up England’s James Haskell to replace Vunipola.

Gatland said: “It is really disappointing for Billy and we know how much he was looking forward to joining the squad.

“He has been carrying an injury and feels he wouldn’t be able to contribute fully to the tour and needs further medical treatment.

“We really appreciate his honesty in making this decision and wish him luck with his recovery.

“We have called up James to the squad. We wish him all the best this weekend (when Haskell’s Wasps play Exeter in the Aviva Premiership final) and look forward to welcoming him into camp before we depart.”

The Lions face 10 games in New Zealand, starting on June 3 and culminating five weeks later.

They play the world champion All Blacks in Auckland on June 24, in Wellington on July 1 and then again in Auckland on July 8.

Only one previous touring Lions party has won a series against the Kiwis, that coming in 1971 when John Dawes captained the home nations to a famous 2-1 triumph, with one match drawn.