JONAH LOMU was Mako Vunipola’s hero when he was growing up in New Zealand.
The Lions prop dreamt of becoming an All Black and wearing the famous jersey just like his late idol.
While Lomu became rugby’s first global superstar, Vunipola was already on his way to becoming a globe-trotter.
At nine-years-old he left Wellington for Wales as his dad Fe’ao, the Tonga captain, was offered a contract as Pontypool’s new hooker.
By then Mako might have gone on to play for the Dragons — until crossing the border and becoming a Saracens star after stints at Bristol and Clifton.
He made his Red Rose debut in 2012 and this is his second Lions Tour.
Today, Vunipola comes full circle as he faces the All Blacks in the city where his love for the game blossomed.
He said: “Growing up in Wellington I admit I used to watch the All Blacks and be in love with them.
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“Mostly because of Jonah Lomu. Being of Tongan heritage I always wanted to be like him.
“And being born in Wellington, I have a lot of family here.
“This is actually the first time I’ve been back since I left as a child.”
Vunipola’s family are out in force in New Zealand with him. His dad was at the First Test and, since arriving in the capital, the clan has rapidly expanded.
Lions boss Warren Gatland said: “The Tongan community seem to come out the woodwork.
“Mako’s had more cousins and relations in this last few weeks than he has ever had in life!”
Although Vunipola’s family clearly have a mischievous side — they were only too happy to share a video of his First Test “squirrel grab” on All Black Owen Franks.
The Sarries front-rower said: “I can’t remember doing it to be fair.
“I have seen the video back because my family tagged me in it!”
The Vunipolas might have been out in even bigger numbers had his bull-dozing brother Billy not needed a shoulder operation before the tour.
With the world’s best No 8 in their armoury, the Lions would undoubtedly have had a serious weapon to unleash on the All Blacks.
Billy’s bone-crunching tackles would have helped Gatland’s boys dominate the forward pack and prevent them from being beaten-up in Auckland.
The Lions are still licking their wounds from that 30-15 mauling.
Boss Gatland crucified his players for being taken to the cleaners at Eden Park. And that hurt frustrated Mako a lot.
So much so that, when asked just how hurt he was, the 26-year-old said: “Massively. We’re very competitive and Gats has laid the gauntlet down. It is up to us whether we shy away from it.
“Personally, when he said that, I wanted the opportunity to go out there again and prove him wrong.
“It’s up to us as a forward pack to prove him wrong and make a statement.
“We are going into it wounded, a bit of pride on the line after what Gats said. Hopefully that gives us the edge.
“I know we will be ready — we have to be. We’re very lucky that we have another opportunity. It’s up to us to take it. We know the task is immense.”
There is no time for sentiment on this stage, though.
Vunipola will look past his heritage to focus on today — then the Auckland decider at Eden Park.
He added: “If you haven’t got that desire and emotional energy you’re in the wrong sport.
“We’ve talked all week about it being the biggest game of our lives and it is.
“There is no bigger honour for us than to play for the Lions against the best team in the world.”
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