Japan prepare for another grotesque physical mis-match ahead of Samoa clash
JAPAN overcame one grotesque physical mis-match in beating South Africa but they have another one looming in the shape of Samoa this weekend.
Johnny Leota admits Samoan contact sessions are not for the faint-hearted
There has always been a polarity in Samoan rugby. Easy-going and fun-loving off the field, they are transformed into figures of fear on it. They carry a well-deserved reputation. Opponents secretly dread Samoan tackling. Even the Samoans aren't that keen.
"As islanders we are jokers so there are a lot of laughs at training but when the contact sessions are on, the boys smash each other - they are pretty full on. I prefer to take the hits in a game than I do a contact session with Samoa," admitted centre Johnny Leota.
"There really are a lot of tough boys. You have to gain their respect. If you get hurt at training you can't stay down. If you do, then you get looked at as weak-ish. You have to take the hit, get up and get on with it."