Andrew Porter is in his own words "a big sushi man" to the rest of us, he's just a big man. Weighing in at over 123 kilos, very big in fact.
Porter was discussing his versatility in the front row this morning ahead of Ireland's opening World Cup game in Yokohama against Scotland on Sunday.
The former St Andrews College schoolboy started off his career on the loosehead side before shifting across to tighthead given the depth in the Leinster number one position.
Porter has been selected to cover both prop positions for Joe Schmidt's World Cup squad, he admits he found the shift back across "a bit challenging at the beginning".
"I got my reps in training. Obviously, against Wales, I got a decent few minutes at loosehead there. It's like riding a bike you don't really forget it.
"It's where I started off. Yeah (I'm) really excited if I have to cover both roles. I'm versatile like that and looking forward to it really"
Sprung
Against Wales, in the warm-up for the tournament for Japan, Porter was sprung into loosehead action earlier than expected, when coming on for Kilcoyne on an HIA.
"It was unexpected, I surprised myself really. It's nice to know I haven't really lost it in that way. Yeah, it will be a challenge coming up against other teams in the tournament."
There are key differences in what is required for the two positions according to the Leinster prop.
"Tighthead you're standing up trying to catch your breath, trying not to pass out, seeing stars sometimes. It's part of the game really.
"Loosehead you're almost attacking where tighthead you're more trying to lock it down. Tighthead would take it out of you a bit more and take a bit more out of the legs."
Whether he pulls on a number three or one jersey, Porter says he is always ready to contribute. He says he knows what he wants to deliver.
"I'm versatile like that. If I'm starting I'll be more than happy to put my best foot forward in that sense, but I'll also have a big job to do if I'm coming on as a substitute.
"Obviously just bringing the biggest impact you can off the bench. What we are always told is to fit in first, and not try to go away from the plan.
"That's what I'll be looking to bring form my point of view.
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