20 QUESTIONS
How do you look back at that entertaining game at Wasps last Sunday? It must have been great to watch for the neutrals with the score ending at 40-33 but from our point of view we wanted to win. We didn’t so it’s disappointing. Do the two bonus-point make it better? They do because not many people have left the Ricoh Arena with two points. It proves we’re playing good rugby at the moment. Nine points clear of Bristol, are you safe? Every point we pick up to increase our lead on them is good but we’re not safe just yet. Staying up is our main objective obviously but we don’t want to be looking behind us. We want to look forward. Your try secured one of the bonus-point as well, didn’t it? I was just fortunate to be at the right place at the right time. It was a bit weird to score because it doesn’t happen much for me. It was great for the team and we got another one late on to pick up the losing bonus-point too. Happy with the character showed? Very mush so. We could have easily stopped playing once Wasps looked out of reach but we never gave up and we were rewarded for it. We can take some confidence going forward. Enjoyed the week off? We don’t have a game but we still trained. We’ve got a massive game against Sale next week and hopefully we can improve on that performance against Wasps. New lease of life under Gary Gold? What he wants from us is very simple and he’s very clear about it. But the main thing is that everyone has bought into it. We all believe in each other and that’s what’s going to take us up the table. When was your last try? I can’t really tell you. There are so many I can’t keep track of them! I’m not sure I scored for Bedford last season but I’ll definitely remember my first Premiership try. How did the move to Worcester come about? I wasn’t really playing at Saracens so when the opportunity to join Worcester as injury cover arose I jumped on it. It pushed myself out of my comfort zone away from home but it’s gone great so far. Staying next season? Yes. I was fortunate to get some game time and show what I’m about. I’ve improved a lot by playing so much in recent weeks and I think the coaches are happy. Was it tough to leave Sarries? It was because it’s where I came through and my best mates are still there like Maro Itoje. But you have to make tough decision in a career and if anything it made me more determined to succeed. How are you finding the Premiership as a 23-yearold tighthead? It’s interesting and it’s new to me but I’m loving it. Your confidence grows the more you play. How are the dark arts coming along? I’ve had my tough games but I’m learning what’s working for me and what doesn’t. I’m picking up new tricks all the time. Targets for the end of the season? I’m just thinking about the team doing well to be honest. If I’m fortunate enough to get some game time in the last four games I’ll be delighted but I hope we can push on as a team. Desperate not to give Bristol any hopes of coming back? That’s what happened before they played us a few weeks back when they beat Bath and were back to within a win. We don’t want to be looking over our shoulders again. If not rugby, what would you be doing? I really wanted to be an architect at school. I really enjoy music too. Favourite cheat meal? I love a good burger from Five Guys or Gourmet Burger Kitchen. Three dinner guests? LeBron James, Drake and my tighthead partner here Nick Schonert Best and worst banter at Worcester? Huw Taylor would have to be the best of a bad bunch. Val Rapava-Ruskin is by far the worse. I sit next to him in the changing room and some day he makes me want to quit rugby. Best and worst dressed? Francois Hougaard knows he looks good and I’d have to agree. Val’s constant mix of jeans with loafers or trainers is just weird so he takes worst again.