Rugby World Cup: England ace Billy Vunipola paints eye of Japanese doll for good luck with tournament about to start
BILLY VUNIPOLA took part in a Japanese wish-making ceremony and vowed to create some unforgettable memories.
Last night, the England No8 was invited on to the stage at the Miyazaki Prefectural Government Hall to make a wish while painting the right eye of the legendary Daruma Doll.
The fierce red doll is a symbol of good luck for the Japanese.
Vunipola said: “I wish that whatever we do in the next few weeks will live with us for the rest of our lives.”
Ex-England captain and World Rugby overlord Bill Beaumont presented the 31-man squad with their World Cup caps ahead of Sunday’s game against Tonga.
Maro Itoje cannot wait to get going but the Saracens and Lions hero warned their opponents they know exactly what to expect thanks to their own Tongan two Billy and Mako Vunipola.
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Itoje, 24, said: “We have two boys of Tongan heritage in our team.
“I’ve seen what those two have done to people! We know how physical they are and how much Tonga as a country love rugby. They’ll definitely be up for it.
“This is the longest period of time we’ve spent together. You can tell the squad feels we’re building towards something.
“Ever since I got into the England team, everything has been about the World Cup.
“When I actually got on the flight and arrived into Tokyo, it felt like: ‘Oh, we’re here’. It’s been amazing ever since.”
May Day
From Jonny Fordham in Miyazaki
JONNY MAY has warned his World Cup rivals they cannot match England’s attack.
And the Leicester winger says Eddie Jones’ side will start tearing it up in Sunday’s Pool C opener against Tonga.
May, 29, is second favourite to be top try-scorer. England have hammered in an average of more than four tries a game this year but May is out for more.
He said: “It is nothing like I have ever been a part of.
“I look around the room and the team-mates and the talent we have and depth, for me the belief is genuine we can beat anybody if we are at our best.
“Nobody needs to pull a rabbit out of the hat as the talent is so good.
“I genuinely believe we will peak at this World Cup.”
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Itoje has won it all with Sarries, been capped by the Lions and beaten New Zealand, as well as scooping a Six Nations Grand Slam and European Player of the Year.
And he added: “One of the few things in rugby I haven’t experienced is the World Cup.
“I’m incredibly excited to get going and experience it and see how the atmosphere is.
“It’s going to be an awesome World Cup and an awesome couple of weeks. I can’t wait to get going.”
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