Taione out to impress

By Stuart James

Elvis Taione has waited a long time to get his chance for Exeter Chiefs this season and, after an impressive showing from the bench against Harlequins last weekend, the Tongan is not going to give up his shirt without a fight.

The 32-year-old hooker caught the eye in Exeter's narrow Premiership win against Quins, after making an early introduction due to a head injury sustained by captain Jack Yeandle.

Yeandle is expected to be passed fit for the trip to Coventry to face Wasps on Saturday but, with Luke Cowan-Dickie out until the New Year with a broken thumb, Taione has the chance to nail down his claims for a regular role. "It is always great to be involved, but in saying that, we are a squad as a whole and whatever we are going to do, we do it as a squad and it is a great opportunity," the Tonga international said.

"It is, but you play sport for the competitive side of things and that is no different. We have a good squad and a few good players in my position and it makes it extra-special when you do get out there and you know you will do your best for the club as well.

"You just have to look at Cowan-Dickie and Yeandle and, when you look at the names, they speak for themselves, really.

"It is always good to get an opportunity, but you have to remember that it is not your shirt to keep, so when you get a chance you have to try and take it with both hands, really. You play rugby because you love playing rugby and to do it as a living is a blessing."

Much has been made about the sheer size – and quality – of Exeter's squad this season and, when injuries bite, as they are right now at Sandy Park, that is being put to the test to see if the Devon side can maintain their excellent start to the season.

However, while waiting patiently for that opportunity may not be to every sportsman's liking, Taione insists it is important to not get downbeat when opportunities are sparse.

"I don't think you can afford to get frustrated because of the way we train and, if you do, then you lose how you prepare," he said. "When you prepare, you want to keep the consistency and prepare the same week in week out because you never know when you are going to get that opportunity."

Although his display last weekend was his first outing of the season for Exeter, it was not his first appearance at Sandy Park this campaign, with Taione enjoying being at "home" during the recent Rugby World Cup.

The 32-year-old ran out for Tonga against Namibia and enjoyed helping his nation to a 35-21 win against the African opposition.

"It was a great experience. Firstly, you are representing your country and not only that but your family and supporters as well," he said.

Now, though, all thoughts are on Wasps and picking up more points to keep Exeter at the top end of the Premiership table.

Dai Young's side sit fifth in the standings at present and are unbeaten on home soil so far this season, with their last win the eye-catching 32-6 victory over Toulon in the European Champions Cup.

"I think it is going to be a very tough challenge but, in saying that, I think we are going to have to focus on us first before we look at what they do," said Taione.

"We have done all our prep now, we are all looking forward to the game and it should be awesome.

"I think what you saw last Saturday is that, even though we didn't do as well as we would have hoped for, we always seem to find a way because of the strength we have within the squad."