MAKO: I WAS THE ORIGINAL SM-ALL BLACK
LIONS prop Mako Vunipola has revealed that he supported the All Blacks growing up – and even owned a replica jersey.
The Saracens and England star was born here in Wellington and is back in the Kiwi capital for the first time since leaving for the UK as a child.
“I admit it, I used to watch the All Blacks and be in love with them,” he said. “Mostly because of Jonah Lomu. Being also of Tongan heritage, I always wanted to be like him.”
Vunipola’s old allegiance will not spare New Zealand from the full brunt of his frustration today, however.
He has been stung “massively” by boss Warren Gatland accusing the Lions pack of not bringing the right mental and physical attitude to last week’s opener.
“We are all very competitive and he has laid the gauntlet down for us,” Vunipola said. “It is now up to us whether we take it on or shy away from it.
“I know personally that, when he said that, I wanted the chance to go out there again and prove him wrong. I don’t know whether he meant to say it like that, but that’s the way I took it.
“We are going into the game wounded. Our pride is on the line. Hopefully that gives us an edge.”