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Mark Stevens talks with Iva Motusaga 11/04/07
 

Iva Motusaga insists he has already been given a clear insight into what to expect when a Cornish rugby side descends on Twickenham.

This Sunday, the rugby-loving Duchy will have two clubs heading for the home of English rugby, one of which will have the Samoan international safely enconced within its ranks.

Iva In Action

The all-action flanker has helped play a leading role in guiding the Cornish Pirates to Twickenham for the first time in the club's history - and now he is hoping he can help create history by ensuring the West Cornwall club overcome league rivals Exeter Chiefs in the EDF Energy National Trophy.

"It's going to be a very special day for me," said Motusaga. "To play at Twickenham, the home of English rugby, is a dream for any player. For me, personally, it will be like living a dream, but I'm sure it will be the same for the all the boys.

"Twickenham is one of the most famous stadiums in the world, so to be playing there is just awesome."

The 28-year-old forward, who was signed by former Pirates coach Kevin Moseley at the start of the 2004-05 season, has been a revelation ever since arriving in the Duchy from New Zealand , where he played for NPC side Wellington Lions.

His dynamic displays have earned him rave reviews across the country, whilst his speed at the tackle area is among the quickest in National One.

Iva In Action For the Pirates 48-0 Cup Win
Against Moseley In January

On Sunday, however, Motusaga will find himself up against a formidable Exeter back-row, likely to be made up of Tony Walker, Gary Willis and skipper Richard Baxter.

Motusaga, though, is ready for battle and ready for the Chiefs, who having lost to the Pirates 37-20 at Camborne back in late October, gained their revenge with an 11-6 triumph at Sandy Park at the tail end of February.

" Exeter are not going to be easy," warned Motusaga. "They are not going to lie down and they will be a real threat in the final. When we played them up at their place, it was a very physical game and I expect the Twickenham game to be just as tough.

"We know what to expect from them, but with this being a final I'm sure everyone is going to lift their game that little bit more, so that will make it even tougher for all the players."

Iva Thanks The Pirates Fans

Safely settled down in Cornwall , Motusaga admits he is now well versed and well educated in terms of Cornish rugby.

"The people in Cornwall just love their rugby, it's amazing," he added. "Wherever we play, whether it be Doncaster, Leeds, Bedford , there are always Cornish people there.

They seem to come in hundreds, sometimes thousands. Just recently I saw pictures on the web of when Cornwall went to Twickenham in 1991 - it was just a sea of black and gold.

"I'm sure when we go to Twickenham we are going to have tremendous support again. Throughout the competition the supporters have been right behind us and offering their support.

As players, we want to win, not only for ourselves and the club, but also for the people as well."

Iva Thanks The Pirates Fans
After Cup Win At Doncaster		 

Helping add to the Cornish support will be the legendary Falmouth Marine Band, who are booked in for some pre-match entertainment in the capital.

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