I’ll put my body on the line – Lomano Lemeki

Honda Heat star Lomano Lemeki is prepared to put his body on the line and lead by example in the second leg of their relegation/promotion play-off against second division side Kintetsu Liners in Mie on Friday.

Japan international Lemeki, 36, made a try-scoring return in Honda’s 29-25 away win against the Liners in Osaka a week ago.

The Rio 2016 Olympian broke his jaw on March 22 against Urayasu D-Rocks and worked tirelessly with the Honda staff and had a special liquid diet from nutritional company Easy Meals Japan to accelerate his return.

"I was confident I would return in time for the relegation/promotion matches and if I'm fit then I always want to play,” said Auckland-born Lemeki who represented Japan at the 2019 and 2023 World Cup tournaments.

"I don't worry about injuries on the pitch,” he told the League One website.

“I just want to win and I'm only thinking about putting my body on the line for the team."

The evergreen utility-back, who now has eight tries in five appearances this season, left division two side NEC Green Rockets to rejoin Honda on a three-year contract last summer.  

Crowd favourite Lemeki in action in the first leg

"I want to bring back the spirit that the old Honda team had to the current team.”

Lemeki singled out teammates Ryota Kobayashi and captain Pablo Matera as two men who epitomise the character of Kieran Crowley’s team.

"I want you to look at (flanker) Ryota Kobayashi. Even if he is smaller than his opponent, he never gives up and keeps trying until the end. The same can be said for (Pablo) Matera and I think that tenacity is what makes Honda Heat what it is. I want the younger players to have that kind of attitude."

Honda host Kintetsu on Friday in what will be Quade Cooper and Will Genia’s last game for the Osaka-based club.

There will be no room for sentiment while Honda bid to preserve their spot in Japan’s top-flight and Lemeki, who starts on the right wing, is targeting a comprehensive win in front of their home supporters.

"I want to win by a landslide, with a lead of about 50 points,” said the hard-working standout.

“I want to end the season on the best possible note.

“I want to express my gratitude to the fans who have always supported us and I want to say goodbye with a smile to my teammates who are about to retire or leave the team.  

“Let's win and make the 'H sign' (a popular hand gesture with fans) together.” 

RugbyJP.com will be in Suzuka on Friday to cover Honda v Kintetsu

Action picture courtesy of JRLO