Bit more from Stooke in Coventry Observer
WASPS second-row Elliott Stooke insists his side need to get their “detail” right ahead of a tough match against Exter Chiefs on Saturday afternoon at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Lee Blackett’s side have won their opening two home matches in the Gallagher Premiership this season – edging out Northampton Saints 26-20 last weekend.
The Chiefs have already won once on the road this term – securing a win at Sale Sharks before hammering Worcester Warriors last time out.
Stooke stressed the need for Wasps to maintain their discipline against the Chiefs and knows they will need to get their detail right if they are to claim a third straight win in Coventry.
Stooke said: “It’s a huge game, they’re very set-piece focused yet they can still throw the ball around, they like to hold onto the ball for a long time.
“We’ve got to be disciplined and get our detail right and hopefully that will transfer this weekend – we need to be on the ball if we’re going to get a result.
“It’s far too early to judge where everyone is at as a team, Chiefs have had a difficult start to the season but their gameplan doesn’t really change.”
The 28-year-old admitted that expectations are high for the coming season and praised the impact of the Wasps fans since their return to stadiums.
He said: “The owners have pumped a shed load of money into the new training facility – they’re expecting results and trophies.
“We’re not shy about that – we want to be a team that succeeds and thrives – it’s a lot of trust in us and we want to make the Wasps supporters proud.
“It’s great having fans back – it’s even nice on an away when you get heckled by the crowd.
“The fans give you that little bit of an extra boost, it lifts us and you can really feel the energy of the crowd.”
Stooke only arrived at the club in the summer after making over 100 appearances for former side Bath and is enjoying his partnership with fellow lock Vaea Fifita.
He added: “It was a very simple choice to join Wasps – in my last season at Bath I was getting pushed aside a little bit – I needed a fresh challenge and it was an easy decision to make.
“Vaea is one hell of an athlete – he’s special – I’ve not played with any locks like this guy, I could watch some of his highlights with a bit of popcorn for hours.
“We’ve only seen a slither of what he can do so far, when he gets in open channels and a little bit of space he’ll be lighting up the Premiership – look out for him, he’s one to watch.”
Wasps host Exeter at the CBS Arena on Saturday, October 16 with kick-off at 3pm.