Scrum of the Earth /

Few players experience the relentless blood and thunder of Test match rugby before completing their provincial initiations but Quantas Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau doesn’t get intimidated by a challenge.

Winning his first cap at Twickenham against England back in 2005, at least second time around he wasn’t part of a front-row that got shunted around like a matador on an angry bull.

As someone who knows what it’s like to uncover one’s tail from between their arse-cheeks, the shift from flanker to the fulcrum of the scrum is not so forgiving on the muscles, especially the shoulders. Full of smiles and the team’s fancy dress expert, Taf's whirlwind first year at hooker was crowned by winning the IRB U21 Player of the Year.

I suppose you don’t get intimidated anymore eh?

"Rugby’s more about the enjoyment factor. I thrive on my nerves."

Is it the same for your studies?

"I prepare well.  If rugby fails then at least i’ve got a back up plan. I’m studying IT at the moment, as i’m sort of nifty with computers."

It’s a handy skill to have with the present nature of the world. What about your passion for robots?

"They were one of my fascinations as kid. I used to be a Robot Wars addict, so my mates and me thought about making one. Since we’re all IT geeks, I thought i’d build up my knowledge of science first and then have a good crack at building one."

If you had to build one in the shape of a rugby player, what would it be?

"Probably not like me that’s for sure. One like a lock would be good - bigger, stronger and taller."

What about Jonah Lomu?

But you’ve got to programme it to last for a long time.

Both of us share a little laugh. He’s a smart lad. More Stephen Fry on a lion’s diet rather than Richard Cockerill. So what else keeps you honest?

"I try and get out about town and visit all the historical landmarks.  The London bus tour was great albeit wasn’t the best weather for it, but Tower Bridge was good too. I’m actually going to America after we finish here to visit a few parts of the family I haven’t seen for a while."

Are you a big fan of touring?

"I really like meeting new people and touring also gives you an opportunity to keep in touch with those you used to knock around with playing age-group rugby. You never know down the track when they might pop out of nowhere and you can talk about past times. The networking is the best thing. Oh, and the travel."

And how has your Polynesian heritage made an impact on your career?

"With a lot of Polynesian players it’s very family orientated. Our motto is ‘ put family first.’ And that includes playing for your country as well. In the Super 14 we have a chaplain that helps us out before games and we all try and stick together as often as possible. Whenever we’ve got some free time we try and have a little discussion about life. Religion is a major factor."

Do you miss anything?

"I miss hanging around with the family and my mates from high school but it’s a sacrifice that we’re willing to make because they’ll still be there when you finish."

Life sounds so easy without any frustrations…

"I have some here and there. I haven’t got a girlfriend although I do miss my family a lot. And my bass guitar."

Do a few of the boys like a jam?

"Actually a few of the boys are quite good singers. I'm not born with that gift. I like alternative, rock, R'n'B, the works. Whatever the boys like to listen too I’ll give it a whirl."

I take it that doesn’t stretch to your diet…

(Brendon Cannon interrupts) "All the Tongans love the fried chicken…"

"We can eat anything as long as it’s in moderation. I’m more of a lasagne fan. I loved Italy when we were there, Venice was awesome, I’m a bit of a joker, so I dressed up as gondolier. It went down well with the boys."

You’ll have to send over some photos. And with your cousin [former WWE wrestler] Haku too…

"How does everyone know that? One of the boys found out on Wikipedia and the amount of stick i’ve been getting. Some people have been asking ‘so when are you going to make the move to WWE?’ I’m like do I look like I could?

I’d back you… Well thanks for the chat Taf. Enjoy the rest of your trip.

"Cheers mate."