Back in September 2008 Think Rugby has been givin the privilage to interview 2 international players, thanks to Bristol RFC. For this interview we shall be asking David Lemi, a Samoan International Rugby player with 84 caps playing the 15-man game and also plays the 7-man game about what his views of the game and advice to players who aren’t quite at that level.

David Lemi

1- What do you think are the biggest differences between southern and northern hemisphere rugby?

The length of the season. We play a lot of rugby in England.

2- In your opinion what’s the biggest difference between 7s and 15s?

The pace of the game. Also, in Sevens a lot of the more forwards based power aspects like rucking, mauling and scrums aren’t in evidence so much.

3- What’s your advice to wingers that are extremely fast, reasonably strong but new to the games?

Watch and learn. Pick up what you can in training but watch lots of video as well and see how the wingers position themselves.

4- Do you have any advice on how not to miss tackles?

Not really! Make the tackle on your terms. Also, try and adapt your tackle to your opponent. You have to tackle some big guys low!

5- If you are in defensive 2 on 1 situation what would you do? go for the ball carrier or wait for support before going for the outside man?

That depends. Sometimes you can come in and smother man and ball. Other times you have to buy time and wait for support.

David Lemi has since signed for London Wasps.

Back in September 2008 Think Rugby has been givin the privilage to interview 2 international players, thanks to Bristol RFC. For this interview we shall be asking Mark Regan, an English International Rugby player with 46 England caps, 1 British Lions cap and 113 caps for Bristol RFC about what his views of the game and advice to players who aren’t quite at that level.

1- In your point of view what’s your biggest difference between international and club rugby?

The pace and intensity. The speed of international rugby takes some getting used to.

2- In your younger days, how did you manage to cope with school and rugby together?

You just have to find a way to do both. Rugby training after school means you have to do your homework afterwards. Your education is important.

3- In your opinion what makes a good hooker?

You have to be physically strong and resilient. You also have to work hard and put in the hours on the practice pitch.

4- In today’s rugby, do you think that for you to be a good hooker you have to be big?

Size isn’t everything in the front row! Strength is important but you have to have technique as well.

5- What’s your advice to a hooker that realises they are having a bad game after they do a couple of bad throws and lose two of their scrum put ins?

Forget about it. The next lineout or scrum is the most important.