Watson must tame 'Fijian Lomu'
England's starlet wing is ready to savour what he expects to be the biggest physical challenge of his career, when he goes head-to-head against Fijian colossus Nemani Nadolo in the opening game of the World Cup.
The Bath speedster reckons he has enjoyed tackling some flying "big boys" during his 10 months in the England jersey – which have showcased his own considerable abilities.
Yet the 21-year-old accepts he may have never come across anyone quite like the 125kg, 1.94m, Nadolo, who has been talked up as Fiji's equivalent to Jonah Lomu.
"It is something I look forward to. That is part and parcel of why a lot of us play the game – that physical confrontation," said Watson.
He is well aware not just of the size, but of the all-round skill of Nadolo – the Crusaders wing who has been racking up tries for fun in Super Rugby.
"Trying to impose my game on a player like that will be a massive challenge and an opportunity I would look forward to, and try to take with both hands."
Watson feels it could be an even bigger physical examination than the two toughest opponents he reckons he has faced – Wales powerhouse George North and the smaller but equally skilful Samoan, David Lemi.
Nadolo, a giant with pace and fine kicking ability too, may take some stopping, but Watson could still prove to be just as much of a handful.
The lad from Kent, who was described by his first coach as having the ability to "sidestep you in a phone box", has been in searing form, scoring four tries in his last three tests.
He has the capability of lighting up this World Cup in the same way that he saw his boyhood inspiration, Jason Robinson, illuminated England's cup-winning campaign in 2003.
The only thing Watson recalls about watching that Sydney Final on television was "jumping up and down on the sofa" at home as Jonny Wilkinson landed that drop-goal.
"I would say Jonny Wilkinson and Jason Robinson were the guys I really admired.
"Jonny because of his work ethic, and Jason because of his ability to change the game pretty rapidly – because you expected something to happen every time he got the ball," Watson added.
Watson loved watching Robinson's twinkle-toed darts.
"He changed the game so quickly with his footwork. He was borderline unstoppable," said the wing.
He has not met his hero yet, but Robinson has sent him messages of congratulations after games.
"It is always special from a player like that to give acknowledgement," said Watson.
One suspects the plaudits will keep coming for this gifted individual from a family who are rugby mad, with one notable exception.
"My dad used to play for Saracens A, but he had a pretty bad knee injury and he had to stop playing.
"My older brother used to play in the England Sevens team and now he's gone to Newcastle.
"My little brother has just signed for London Irish.
"But my mum isn't a really big fan of the game. She is into tennis and snooker. I don't really get it. It is more a case of her not wanting to see me get hurt and go into contact.
"But she used to be a lot worse, she used to stay in the car in the car park at London Irish.
"It was wet and cold and she would read a book instead of watching the game. I think she has got better now," said Watson.
Source: @rugbyworldcup
