TURNING JAPANESE

Q

The Sunwolves started their pre-season three weeks before Round 1. How are you so good?

A

It’s crazy. I think it’s just the team wants to play with pride and represent the Japanese people well. The Japanese are a very hardworking people, very detailed and they’re all about giving 100 per cent in everything. You might say we have less talented players but that work ethic is everything. That’s a cultural thing.

Q

With the team performing so well, is it devastating to know they’ll be kicked out next year?

A

I think it’s so sad. What a mistake. What a mistake. With crowds and popularity, I don’t know how they’ll fix Super Rugby or what the future holds, in terms of whether South Africa will be a part of it or not. But I’m telling you – Japan is the next place to boom for rugby. It’s got everything you need, from loyal fans, from the interest in the game to skilful players to corporate dollars and population. It’s got everything you want. I’d be putting all my eggs in their basket. If I’m New Zealand and Australia I’m going with Japan, who cares what else is happening. That’s where the future is.

Q

Is playing back at Suncorp Stadium tonight special for the six Queenslanders in the Sunwolves team?

A

I think for a lot of guys to come home and play in front of family and friends is special. Most of the guys in the Reds are 21, 22 years old so we’ve never crossed paths. But the chance to play in Brisbane against an exciting team and hopefully a good crowd will be awesome.