Montpellier’s English international star, Billy Vunipola, has been a driving force in the recent narrow but critical victory over Vannes. He opens up about how the pressure his team faces is more of a motivator than a burden and shares his thoughts on playing against his older brother, Mako, now a Vannes recruit.
Would you say winning was the most important thing tonight?
“Absolutely. We didn’t really mention it in the locker room, but in my mind, winning now is crucial. I’d much prefer to secure victories early on rather than scramble at the season’s end. As I mentioned earlier in the week, it’s vital for us to build momentum now. We eased off a bit after the Perpignan game, so it’s essential we prepare well for next week.”
After years of success with England and Saracens, how do you handle the situation with your new club, especially being at the lower end of the Top 14 table?
“It might surprise some, but I actually enjoy it. I think it really brings out the best in me. I hope that will benefit the team. The pressure to perform weekly is something I thrive on. The more we embrace these challenges, the stronger we’ll become as a team.”
We noticed consistent effort from you throughout the match. Have you focused on your fitness recently?
“The whole team worked hard during preseason, not just me. What’s frustrating is that our efforts don’t fully reflect on the pitch yet. We showed glimpses of what we’re capable of against Vannes when we focused on the right areas and gave our all. I’m probably in the best shape I’ve been in over the last two or three years. I’ve taken ownership of my fitness here and embraced the challenges. It’s been refreshing.”
How did it feel to face your brother on the field?
“It was strange, honestly. I saw him the day before, and it was good to catch up. The distance between us has brought us closer, and we appreciate these moments together more now. After ten years, it becomes routine, but seeing him and playing against him was special. It was tough, though. I wasn’t actively avoiding him, but I wasn’t exactly seeking him out either.”
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How important is this first home win for Montpellier?
“Looking back, after the Perpignan game, we thought we’d keep the momentum going. Enjoying this win and preparing for Toulon next week is crucial. We’ve got some strong English players here, and I’m looking forward to seeing them, if I get the chance to play. Momentum is everything for us right now.”
Your experience is valuable in close matches. How does that influence your leadership with younger players?
“Since I arrived, I’ve noticed we sometimes act like there are only five minutes left when there are actually twenty. Maybe it’s a mindset that’s lingered from last season. Breaking that habit and staying composed is vital. We were calm today and left our half when we needed to. There are plenty of positives, but also areas to improve. We’re working hard to turn these leads into wins, and with a bit more time, we’ll develop that killer instinct needed to finish strong.”
Source: Rugbyrama
