Billy Vunipola focused on Wales not Warren Gatland's comments about England
Sunday 20 September 2015 00:04, UK
Billy Vunipola is not getting involved in any of Warren Gatland's mind games as England look forward to next weekend's pivotal clash with Wales.
Vunipola scored England's vital fourth try in their opening 35-11 win over Fiji on Friday, his added time score ensuring Stuart Lancaster's men would claim a bonus point against the Pacific Islanders.
Gatland hinted that England had no idea what their game plan was for the Rugby World Cup when Lancaster named his squad, but Saracens No 8 Vunipola says the sheer occasion of facing Wales at Twickenham will be the squad's only focus in the build-up to Saturday night's game.
"It's good Warren does this, but it only works if you react to it but it is something that we don't really pay any attention to," Vunipola said.
"Wales are a very good team, they have won so many trophies in however many years, but we won't be falling for any of Warren's mind games.
"He is very good at them and a seasoned professional at what he does so we can't get into that kind of nitty gritty stuff.
"Mind games don't really interest me. I'm more interested in the fact we are playing Wales at home in a World Cup and I am in it."
Vunipola made a massive impact off the bench against the Fijians, and his performance could mean a start ahead of Ben Morgan against the Welsh, but he will be ready for whatever role Lancaster decides for him.
Wales make their tournament debut on Sunday when they face likely Pool A whipping boys Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium.
"My job off the bench is trying to up the tempo and trying to add to the foundations that have been built," Vunipola added.
"The boys who come on are just building on the foundations of what has already been done by the players who start.
"Everyone wants to start but the position I am in at the moment is very tough and the competition is very high, but that's international rugby."
