Alex warms to red-hot Tongan welcome
ALEX WALMSLEY is bracing himself for a repeat of the most daunting atmosphere of his career.
But the Great Britain prop says he will love every minute of another backs-to-the-wall clash against Tonga tomorrow.
Walmsley said: “It still makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck when I think of that World Cup semi-final two years ago.
“It was an incredible atmosphere and something I will never forget.
“There were only about 150 England fans in a 30,000-crowd of Tongan fans. It was unbelievable but we like that intensity because we thrive when our backs are against the wall.”
Walmsley is one of 10 survivors from England’s 2017 victory in Auckland now in the Lions squad touring Down Under.
This time that contingent will know to expect a tide of red, with Tonga fans again expected to take over the stadium.
Walmsley said: “It was like being thrown into the lions’ den last time. Just getting there on the coach was unbelievable. Their fans were everywhere.
“We got to the stadium and they were all singing hymns through the game. Everywhere you looked was red.
“It was so much more than a game of rugby, such a humbling experience. We’re looking forward to it.”
Tomorrow’s one-off Test will be in Hamilton which, like Auckland, has a large Tongan population.
And even though it is Great Britain, rather than England, Walmsley knows Tonga will be keen to avenge the 20-18 defeat. He said: “We came out with a win, which was controversial to some people.
“The Great Britain squad has a big England contingent so I’m sure they will look at this game as one where they can right a few wrongs.
“It’s going to be tough. They have some world-class players. But it is important that we start the tour with a win.”
Fellow prop Chris Hill also played two years ago, and said: “The hostile atmosphere blew us out of the water but massively lifted our game.”