Lovejoy aims to make statement against Bok giants
LOVEJOY Chawatama is backing London Irish’s forwards to fight fire with fire as two multi-national packs go head-to-head in the race for the play-offs.
Sale prevailed 21-13 when the sides met at Brentford in early December, since when the Exiles have emerged as genuine top four challengers, bolstered up front by the availability of Rob Simmons, Steve Mafi and fit-again Sean O’Brien.
Sharks are brim full with high quality South African beef but prop Chawatama said: “Sale have a big pack who can play smart, but we don’t have to worry about what they do, we have to worry about what we do as a pack.
“As a pack, I feel we’re starting to get some respect and we just have to keep doing what we’re doing well. We’ve got a strong maul defence, a good setpiece and we’re just going to face it head-on. It should be a cracking game.”
Featuring at hooker for Irish today is Argentinian Agustin Creevy, who despite being 36, is adding hugely to Irish’s armoury.
“Playing with a player like him is unbelievable,” Chawatama said. “On my Championship debut for London Scottish a few years ago, I played against Gus and I’m just glad he’s on my side now because I’ve learned so much off him since he arrived.
“We’re always working together and he’s one of those characters who’s been there and done it.
“He played in a very good pack with Argentina when they were one of the best scrums in the world, plus another big thing he brings is his sheer hunger. To be his age and still be pushing and working as hard as he does in training is amazing.”
At 28, Chawatama’s own career has taken off after previous stints in the Championship with Scottish and London Welsh preceded a move to Irish in 2017. Now a firm crowd favourite, the burgeoning tighthead said: “I’ve come a different route but I’ve worked so hard on my fitness and skills to play at the top level and when you get a regular place you just want more.
“I don’t just want to be Lovejoy the professional rugby player, I want to achieve the most I can.
“I’m always motivated and I’ve always believed I’d get this opportunity, so I’ll work even harder now because there’s more potential to explore.”
Winning at Sale would make a statement and Chawatama adds: “We know what we have to bring and we’re all about hard work and determination – you have to turn up and do all the unseen work to get a win.
“We’ve shown that willingness against Worcester, Wasps and Bristol, it’s now about backing that up.”