Move the ball forward for the team

It was his childhood dream to play in the world cup. He had played all the pool games in the tournament and today, we are here to talk to a tender hearted mighty man, the rugby player Tui about his future rugby goals. (Interviewed on 01/12/15)

◆Felt Pressure after South Africa game

—— It's been a while since the world cup is finished but just looking back, how did you think about the tournament?

It was a great experience for me and for the team as well, so it was a successful world cup. I was happy to be a part of the team.

—— You have played in all 4 games but which game was a most memorable game for you?

Came off from the bench in the 3 games and I was a starting member for the 1st game. Most memorable game has to be a South African game. I think everyone worked hard and what we trained for everything happened as we planned and we are really happy to beat South Africa.

—— How was your mental preparation towards South Africa game?

Leading up to the South Africa game, we trained really hard and had confident in what we are going to do. When we were at the hotel everyone was relaxed and all that changed after the big upset against South Africa game. There was higher expectation and more people watching us and had bigger pressure after the South Africa game.

—— Was it harder for you guys to cope after the South Africa game?

Yes little bit, the coaches they prepared very well for the games and I think harder one was playing back up against Scotland in 3 days turn around. But we moved to a country side from the city so there was nothing to distract us and it helped us concentrate in the team.

◆Game fitness

—— Obviously Japan won the 3 games in world cup, what do you think the most improved things within those 3 games?

I think individually you have to prepare well and team got better as one team. Also there was no time to enjoy. You have to take care of your body and so there were no time to muck around.

My personal role changed in world cup by playing in number of different positions. I had to cover backs as well so I had to learn backs movement too. It was a bit hard for me but I had to anything for the team.

—— How did you feel about playing wing position?

No, I don't like it. (laugh) just feels weird but it was good experience so I could play there again if I was asked to do.

—— Since you've experienced the world cup, what do you think you will need to improve on?

I think for me getting back to playing 80 minutes. Just get my game fitness right and fitting back to the team structure.

◆Lead the team by action

—— What is your goal now after finishing the world cup?

Of course it is to get two titles in national championship. It's been a tough start for us, but speaking to the boys and we still believe in ourselves, in 2010 season, Suntory started the same after losing 2 games and 1 win. Then Suntory obviously won the Japan cup after that. So we still have a chance to win.

—— What is your responsibility to win this season?

I think just to be a leader. I'm not an official leader at the moment, but lead on the field, carry the ball and get good go forward for the team. In set piece, make sure line out goes well.

—— What do you think about your personality?

I don't know but I hope people look at me and think I'm friendly and easy going.

—— How do you think about your leadership?

I like to lead by my action. I would like to play hard and try my best to help my team mates to follow me.

—— I believe Japan team had a mental coach this year but what kind of conversation have you had with her during world cup?

Yes, she worked mainly with the leadership group in Japan team. She did have some seminars with everyone. She had told us 『it's going to be a different game so your preparation is important 』.　Obviously you can't be too excited or too calm. I think you have to be cool.

—— Were you able to control that?

I think I was a bit nervous in the first game but other than that I was fine.

◆Treasure experience

—— I believe you always have a strong desire to win than any other players, what do you think about that?

I hate losing, I haven't won the national championship since I joined in 2013-2014 season so I definitely want to win this year.

—— Are you showing your "hate losing emotions" in the Sungoliath team?

Not really, I think I tried to show everything on the field. At training I'm trying to learn and help others, like getting the lineout correct and the lineout movement right. This has to be good so we can deliver the good ball to the backs.

—— Since you've gone through the world cup experience, what do you think is the most attractive thing about rugby?

It was my dream to play in the world cup since I was little. To experience world cup is treasure thing for me. It made me love the game even more. Also made me love my job even more because not everyone can have this job so I'm very lucky.

I think just your teammates, especially when you get older, you really enjoy playing with your good mates. It makes you play harder. I became good friends with Takamichi (Sasaki) so every time I play with him you really want to support him.

—— So the world cup members have all gone back to their respective teams now, how do you feel like playing against them?

It doesn't bother me, you just try your best because after the game everything is forgotten and back to best friends.

—— Obviously Japan is hosting the WC in 2019

Yes, I would like to get involved if I can.

(Translation：Nao Yoshimizu/ Interviewer & Context：Kazuyoshi Hariya/ Editor：Yutaro Igarashi)
[Photo：Aki Nagao]