Day 5 In Japan

Good nights sleep and up to a rainy day and breakfast at 7.00am. Fushimi H.S. arrive for breakfast shortly after us and we stand and clap them in. Both team`s players and coaches are very close now and we look forward to supporting them through the tournament. Yesterday we stood and clapped in Dax Landes from France as reigning world schools champs and are keen for them to take on the favourites label. The Australian team also arrived at breakfast and the stories of how big they are, is definitely true. One monster was over 2m tall and weighed 143 kgs. Hugh Blake and Bruce Jones are doing a great job as sheriffs although it has cost me a small fortune in Yen. Each day they update us on how much we owe and we have until the next day to pay up. Some of the boys are definitely missing their mums to remind, pick up after, and dress properly. Training inside gym at 9.00 and we work hard on the deficiencies noted in our last game. Lunch at noon and a visit by the parents who are here supporting including the Wisnewskis,  the McNaughtens and Mr Smith. Following lunch we have a video analysis session which we all learn from and then it`s to the gym for a light workout. The rest of the afternoon is taken up by 1 on 1 discussions with the coaches where we analyse our performance both on and off the field. Sometimes these talks are tough but you always come away knowing exactly what the coaches want from you. Dinner at 5.30 and it`s chicken with of course a little rice on the side. The boys with high skinfolds aren`t allowed fries…but I help them out by pigging out. Team meeting at 6.00 and the team is named for tomorrow`s game against Toin Gauken High School, the 2nd ranked Japanese team. I`m wrapped to get a start but nervous about my performance. Heaps of competition for all positions in this team. Mrs Clark finishes the meeting by reading out the messages that have been sent on her e-mail. We all listen and clap to hear any news from home. The ‘Wilson`  house boys applaud when they hear they won the cross-country while all those that don`t get messages like me, hope they will get one tomorrow. Light massage session and early night. Can`t wait for tomorrow`s game. Hope I get some sleep. Gee I miss my mum!

Saiyonara
No. 16