Prop Sisilia Tuipulotu has hazy memories of growing up in Tokyo, but some of the scrums in Wales' first Test in Japan will live long in the memory. Head coach Sean Lynn's side laid a platform up front to earn a scrappy win, with Tuipulotu playing 78 minutes.
"It was a long time to be on but the rest of the girls helped to keep me going," said the 5ft 9ins, 17st 6lbs prop, who has swapped Gloucester-Hartpury for Harlequins. "There were lots of words of encouragement from the girls in the back-row because there were loads of scrums in the second half, telling me and Kelsey [Jones, hooker] to keep going."
She credited the strength and conditioning coaches for the squad's fitness. "Before pre-season we had a pre, pre-season and that was savage. They have made us fitter as a team." Tuipulotu, one of Wales' contenders for the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand next year, is showing signs of being back to her best.
With back-to-back WXV Global Series wins in Japan on the line, Wales face Japan again on Saturday in Kumagaya. Tuipulotu says her approach is simple. "Lynny just tells me to be myself," she added. "I play my best rugby with a smile on my face, then the game takes care of itself."
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing