Page 19 - All Blacks v Lions - First Test

PROFILE
MAKING AN IMPACT
Few British & Irish Lions have made quite as much
of a literal impact as Mako Vunipola – and the
New Zealand-born wrecking ball isn’t done yet.
BORN IN WELLINGTON
and given Maori middle names as a child, Mako Vunipola’s career will come full circle when he runs out
for the British & Irish Lions against the All Blacks in Auckland tonight.
Vunipola – whose full name is Makovina Wanangarua I Whanga Nui-Atara Vunipola – always hoped to make it to rugby’s highest level and, despite moving to Wales at a young age, grew up watching the superstars of New Zealand rugby in action. The 26-year-old idolised the likes of Jonah Lomu and Christian Cullen, but rather than make it as a back, Vunipola is now one of the nest all-round props in the game today.
Representing the Lions against
his country of birth will be a special moment for a young man whose
family will be in the Eden Park crowd this evening. “Being born here in
New Zealand, I obviously feel attached to the country,” the Saracens and England prop says. “My Maori middle names are one thing, but I’ve also got a lot of connections here.
“When I was growing up I liked watching the backs more than the forwards, even though I kind of always knew I was going to end up where I am today. Dan Carter was one, and when I was really young it was Jonah. I loved watching him run with the ball. I liked the things they did out wide, and Christian
WORDS: ALEX BYWATER
was another too. Guys who could do everything appealed to me; Michael Jones, he was brilliant.
“They were a big inspiration, but I grew up in the United Kingdom and have played all my senior rugby in England. It’s a tough one, but for me it’s about being professional and putting any emotional aspect to one side tonight. I have to go out there and do my job for the team.”
“My Maori middle names are one thing, but I’ve also got a lot of connections here.”
A multicultural childhood meant Vunipola is well-versed in rugby’s global appeal. The son of former Tongan captain Fe’ao Vunipola, his move to Wales
saw the forward start his career with New Panteg RFC, playing alongside his cousin and now Lions team-mate Taulupe Faletau. He joined nearby Bristol in 2010, was quickly snapped up by Saracens just a year later, and swiftly secured England representation at junior level.
From there, Vunipola’s career has only gone one way. He made his full England
debut against Fiji in 2012 and now has 42 caps. Grand Slams, Six Nations titles and European and domestic glory with Saracens followed, while Vunipola was involved in all three Lions Tests in the 2013 series win over Australia.
He admits facing the All Blacks
this evening will be a step up, but
it’s a challenge for which he’s ready. “New Zealand is the toughest tour and the overall standard is so much harder here. It’s such a competitive country and rugby is just so big over here,” Vunipola says. “You can tell that, because every game we’ve played so far, it’s like it has been a Rugby World Cup nal for the opposition. That’s the sort of challenge we’ve needed before the Test series.
“The country itself has been very good, very enjoyable. We haven’t had much time to get around and explore, but the bits we have seen, we’ve been welcomed there with open arms.
“Now we get the chance to play against New Zealand, in New Zealand. It’s the ultimate rugby challenge. They’re back-to-back world champions, but you can’t be daunted by that. Any player should want to be involved in games like these. Every New Zealand team we have faced so far has been emotionally charged, and it will be the same with the All Blacks. If we don’t match that, we won’t beat them. But we’re ready to go and we will represent the Lions as best we can.”
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