Chris Harris has it “in my head” knows that a few big blows are coming his way when he plays against Samoa on Monday but feels that will open space across the pitch.
The big Newcastle centre is set to play in the Scottish midfield in the second Rugby World Cup pool game and relishes the physical challenge presented by the Samoans in what is a must-win for Scotland after their defeat to Ireland in the opening game.
“I like getting stuck in, the physical side of the game,” he said. “If I am in the mix I will try and impose myself on the game. I will not be reckless but will pick my opportunities to tackle or carry hard.
“We sat and watched the Samoa-Russia game together, and that was just a physical game wasn’t it?
“They got really fired into the Russians and I think the Russians, to start with, got fired into them back.
“Unfortunately for them it didn’t last the whole game. We just need to be as physical and some for full 80 minutes.”
Samoa come into the game under a cloud with two citations hanging over them and it likely that Ray Lee-Lo and Motu Matu’u will be banned for high tackles in that Russia game.
“I think there’s an element of passion in it for them but they’ve got 15 guys out there all wanting to get involved and make a hit,” continued Harris.
“To be honest that can work for them, but sometimes, it’ll leave gaps for us to exploit.
“I’ve got in my head going into this game that I ‘m going probably going to get a big shot, but you can get over that, I’ll take a carry and get a big hit and it’ll leave space elsewhere, potentially.
“As a group that’s their game, if they didn’t do that, what would they do?”
The Scots won’t have a fear of defeat going into the game, although a shock loss would be the ca campaign would be wrecked beyond repair.
“We haven’t talked about a fear of defeat,” he said. “Obviously it’s a must win, but we’re confident.
“We can use last week as a bit of fire in belly but if you have fear in the game you’re going to go into your shell. There’s a confidence about the boys and we’re looking forward to getting stuck in.
“The first ten minutes are massive. Starting against Ireland the first 10 minutes wasn’t great and we just plunged from there and struggled to get out at that hole. So a big first 10 to 15 minutes, just shut them up, build the confidence up, and we’ll be ready to go.”
