BUILDING THE MONGREL

SOFTLY spoken Wallabies hardman Pete Samu has promised to rise to the challenge set by former international Mat Rogers and bring some mongrel to Saturday’s rugby Test match against Argentina on the Gold Coast.

“We really try to focus on it (the intimidation factor) but so is the other team. That’s the real battle of Test rugby.”

WALLABY players are promising to try to bring the mongrel to Robina against Argentina on Saturday, rising to a challenge set by Mat Rogers.

Gold Coast-based dual international Rogers, who the side has called in to help with training and a pep talk, laid down the gauntlet in yesterday’s Bulletin saying the Wallabies were short on initimidation.

They had “great players” but needed some “who scare the s--t out of people”, he said, adding: “Nice guys don’t win at rugby.”

Powerhouse back-rower Pete Samu and prop Scott Sio say the team is trying to rise to the challenge.

Samu, who started against the Springboks in last weekend’s much-needed win, said: “I think Test footy is all about mongrel and being aggressive, both in attack and defence.

“You’re never happy or content with that part of the game as you can always get better at every training session and in every game,” Samu said. “We really try to focus on that but so is the other team. That’s the real battle of Test rugby.”

Samu, at 102kg and awaiting progress on fellow flanker David Pocock’s neck injury ahead of Saturday night’s Test at Cbus Super Stadium, had no issue with Rogers’ serve.

“I loved watching Mat play footy when I was younger. He was part of a great Wallabies team that I really looked up to.

“I guess the game has moved on a bit since then but aggression is still a big factor and something I know we try to bring each week.”

Sio admitted the Wallabies “intimidation factor” was a work in progress.

“I think it’s something we are building,” he said. It’s something we are not quite there with at the moment.”