“My best form in three years”, Billy Vunipola is establishing himself at MHR, from there to becoming captain ?

Billy Vunipola et ses grosses cuisses sont en train de prendre de la place dans le vestiaire montpelliérain. Midi Libre – SYLVIE CAMBON

The MHR third row, a former English international, is gaining ground in the Montpellier squad, as shown by his solid performance against Vannes (26-24) on Saturday.

His arrival in the MHR brasserie on Saturday evening, a few minutes after the very difficult victory against Vannes (26-24), had allure. Cap screwed on his head and casual shirt, accompanied by Stuart Hogg, Billy Vunipola (32 years old) came to sit at the table of Tyler Duguid, Cobus Reinach, Thomas Darmon and Maël Moustin. Even seated, “Big Billy” imposes himself, takes up space.

He is taking even more in the Montpellier locker room. His performance on Saturday afternoon was the best since his arrival in Hérault. His ball handling is sharper. His activity is increasing as the matches go by. His passing skills are gradually returning, and the MHR really needs them in the absence of Paul Willemse or Jan Serfontein. In the hierarchy, he relegates Sam Simmonds, his English competitor, to the number eight position.

“My best form in three years”

To be honest, the arrival in Hérault of the Golgoth (1.90m, 134kg) had the air of a false good idea. Far from his level for two years, on the bench during the World Cup, losing speed at Saracens… His signature smelled of reheated food, had the air of “we take a name to take a name”, that it was a pleasure for Bernard Laporte to make an impression. The skeptics are now keeping a low profile.

Arriving with a few extra pounds this summer, Vunipola has been working hard. "Personally, I think I'm in the best shape I've been in three years. When I got here, in this environment, I had to take responsibility", he confides. An investment that is appreciated.

From game to game, the Sydney native has grown from game to game. To the point of establishing himself as one of the team's leaders. Valuable leadership in a squad that lacks it. “Leader, you either are or you're not. Billy Vunipola, he arrived, he immediately showed his leadership, notably through his exemplary behavior", assures Geoffrey Doumayrou, defense coach, yet not questioned about the guy.

Future captain ?

In recent days, it has happened that the center third row speaks out, uniting troops lacking confidence. "My goal is not to arrive and tell guys what to do. I first make sure to be irreproachable in the things I say. But I like the context we are in. The pressure of having to perform every weekend brings out the best in me", says the person concerned.

Given this aura, his responsibilities could evolve in the coming weeks. "He's a great player who doesn't talk for nothing. He's a real leader. If he's named captain ? It's most certainly going to happen", warns Joan Caudullo on RMC. Enough to relieve Lenni Nouchi (20 years old). And reassure a group.

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