20 Questions: Kane Thompson – Newcastle lock

What do you make of Newcastle’s season?
It’s been disappointing. We haven’t been able to close out a few games we could have won. But in time the team will gel and we’ll improve on that. We’re a better team than our position in the table suggests.
Do you know where it went wrong?
We haven’t been able to put in a full team performance. There’s been a mix of errors but never the same week on week. One game it’d be the set-piece, the next the defence and so on.
What’s the target for the end of the season?
At the end of the day rugby is about winning and we’d like to win our remaining two games. It’d be good to build some momentum going into next season.
What do you need to improve ahead of next season?
We want to be there or thereabouts and we’ve got the squad for it. I’m pretty confident about it. We just need to create a winning mentality.
Has it been tough to keep going in the Premiership knowing you were safe from relegation but not in the race for  Champions Cup qualification?
We tried to take each game one by one and concentrate on ourselves rather than look too far ahead. The Challenge Cup was a big target for us but we lost to Exeter in the quarter-finals.
Enjoyed your first season in England?
I’ve had a good time in Newcastle. It took me a while to adapt to the English game but I feel more confident the more games I play. Hopefully, I can kick on next season.
Why come to England?
It was an option to me and I fancied a move. I thought it’d be a good challenge and with the World Cup here, too, it was a good opportunity.
Looking forward to your third World Cup with Samoa?
Definitely! Hopefully we can go a bit further than in the previous two.
Can you make the quarter-finals?
I think we should. We’re desperate to play against the top teams in the world. It could come down to the last game against Scotland in Newcastle so, hopefully, I’ll have a few Falcons fans cheering me and the boys on.
Born in New Zealand though?
Yes and I played age groups for New Zealand but I decided early on in my career that I wanted to represent the country of my grandmother.
When did you start playing rugby?
I played rugby for as far back as I can remember. I must have been about four or five when I was back in Wellington.
Ended up winning the 2012 Super Rugby with the Chiefs?
Yes I’d come back to New Zealand the year before after three seasons in France and it was a great year for me.
Was it your best memory in rugby?
It’s right up there although beating Australia in Sydney in 2011 with Samoa was very special, too.
How do you chill out?
Noting too exciting but I do like to travel when I can and get away from the rugby field.
Best place visited?
It was a long time ago but Thailand was pretty great.
If not rugby, what would you have done?
I like sports a lot so I’d probably be coaching or be a teacher.
What annoys you the most in life?
Getting injured. I’m not the best to deal with them.
Three special dinner guests?
Kate Moss, Fidel Castro and Bob Dylan.
Best and worst banter at the Falcons?
He does it to himself half the time but Andy Saull is pretty good. Ruki Tipuna is the worst. He’s like a little fly always annoying you.
Best and worst dressed?
Chris York’s the best, he puts a lot of effort into his appearance. Eric Fry must be getting dressed in the dark or he’s just blind.