Sopoaga ‘struggling’

Former All Black Lima Sopoaga admits he has been struggling in England and believes New Zealanders underestimate the strength of northern hemisphere rugby.

Sopoaga turned his back on New Zealand rugby to accept a £1.5m (NZ$3m) three-year deal with Wasps.

In a candid interview with The Guardian, the 27-year-old said ‘‘coming over as a marquee player adds more pressure’’, and he felt he had yet to reach his top form.

‘‘It’s not that I don’t love this but there are things that do get you down,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s not all glitz and glamour. A lot of the time people just see the 80 minutes, they don’t see what goes on behind closed doors and how winning and losing can affect players.’’

Wasps – regular playoffs qualifiers – are fourth in the 12-team English premiership after five wins and four losses.

Sopoaga was signed as the marquee man to replace former England pivot Danny Cipriani, who moved on to Gloucester.

He is his own toughest judge and feels he is yet to reach the standards he set at the Highlanders.

‘‘I take it all quite personally. I know when I’ve been playing well and when I haven’t and, at the moment, I’m just not quite there. It’s not through a lack or preparation or not trying my best.’’

‘‘If I came in as a fullback or a wing all I’d really need to do is know my moves, score tries, run fast and catch high balls.

‘‘Here I’ve got to play chess and drive the bus. On occasions I’ve felt I’ve driven it well; on others I know I haven’t really nailed it.’’