Dragons back row star Ross Moriarty is relishing the physical battle when Wales face South Africa in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals in Yokohama on Sunday (kick-off 9am UK time).
Wales edged out France 20-19 in Oita last weekend to set-up the last four showdown with the Springboks.
And back-row Moriarty is excited about the confrontation which will no doubt come his way.
“I know their forwards thrive on being physical and that’s what I thrive on as well,” said Moriarty.
“Some players go hiding when it gets tough, but I think I get better in those situations.
“It’s going to be a very big challenge. We’ve had some good results against South Africa in the autumn internationals in the last few years.
“We know what South Africa are capable of and we know what we’re going to have to do in training and in our analysis work to produce on the field on Sunday.
“I’ve seen the Springboks and they had a good win against Japan.
“We’re concentrating on ourselves until the end of the week. We all know the All Blacks are very physical, but South Africa are renowned for being a physical team too.
“They’ve got some very good backs so we know what we’re going to have to do to keep them at bay. That’s what we’ll be looking at.
“To be involved in a game like this is why I started playing.”
Watch the semi-final between Wales and South Africa at Rodney Parade this Sunday! Doors open at 8.30am and we havce 50p off draught beers during the game!
Some players go hiding when it gets tough, but I think I get better in those situations...
