The England international had one hell of an impact on events.
Saracens stomped all over Gloucester at Allianz Park and Mako Vunipola was in top form for ‘The Wolf Pack’.
The prop made 21 carries and stuck 16 tackles, as well as scrummaging as if his life depended on it and hitting a fair few rucks.
Gloucester had started the Premiership season well but they were no match for the league leaders, who were sent out, in the words of coach Pat Sanderson, to smash and put the fear of God into them.
Vunipola took those words to heart but he was a bit reckless when raking over the prone Lewis Ludlow after the forward was KO’ed when making a tackle. It was a moment that BT Sport opted not to follow-up on after the game, although Gloucester boss Johann Ackermann did say he was up and walking in the dressing room after the game.
BT pundits Lawrence Dallaglio and Austin Healy confirmed Vunipola was their man of the mitch, with mere minutes remaining, and the TV cameras cut to him, now sitting on the bench, at the worse time.
Reacting to a decision on the field, Vunipola declared, ‘Oh F**K OFF!’ just as the cameras flashed on to him, sending his teammates into stitches.
Naughty boy… #SARvGLO pic.twitter.com/6sM1LKhlSB
— The Rugby Pod (@TheRugbyPod) September 23, 2018
At least he had time to get in an apology.
Following the game, Vunipola said, “We are pleased with how we reacted after last week.” Saracens won that game against Northampton too – they are unbeaten this season – but shipped 27 points in the process and were disappointed with that.
Saracens scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth, making his 266th appearance for the club, commented, “It’s probably why I lasted so long (16 seasons), because I’ve had beasts like Mako behind me.”
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