The Toulouse back rower cemented his status across the Channel by lifting the Bouclier de Brennus, for winning the French Top 14 title, in June after a 29-26 win over La Rochelle in Paris.
Willis was only there because of the collapse of his boyhood squad Wasps in 2022 which forced his move to the French heavyweights with no jobs available in the Premiership thanks to the reduced salary cap.
Steve Borthwick’s side, who face Argentina in Saturday’s opener, cannot meet hosts France until the semi-finals at least but if they do clash, they will have some inside info.
Willis has been playing with the likes Antoine Dupont, Thomas Ramos and Romain Ntamack improving his game and playing a leading role in that win at Stade de France.
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