HOOKER Joe Taufete’e insists he’s hungry for more game-time after making his Worcester Warriors debut in the 17-14 defeat at Brive.

The American international, who arrived at the club in December, produced a solid display in his first appearance and felt his performance went well despite the result.

He said: “I’m really pleased to finally get my shot and I think it went pretty well.

“I just couldn’t wait to pull on the Warriors jersey and be part of the squad.

“Throughout the week fitness is key but when it comes to the games it’s something else.

“I’ll take as much game-time as I can get.

“I was itching to get out there. I’ve been patient and waiting for my chance and getting ready for the call.

“Now I just want to contribute as much as possible.”

The all-action front row made a number of carries in his 57 minutes on the field in a physical appearance.

And the 24-year-old admitted it is one of his favourite parts of the game.

He continued: “It was great to get my hands on the ball. For me that’s what I want and what I look forward to — the physicality of the game.

“Whether it’s the breakdown or ball carries or in and around the ruck, it’s where I like to be.”

The hooker praised Warriors’ resilient defending which shut a physical Brive pack out time and time again when close to their try line.

He stated: “They got into our 22 on a number of occasions but we really got stuck into them in and around the breakdown.

“You could see the look in everyone’s eyes just how much they wanted to hold them out and we did a great job to stop them time and time again.”

Warriors end their European campaign on Saturday at Sixways against Russian side Enisei-STM.

Taufete’e is excited about another “physical prospect” to show what he can do.

He added: “For me it’s about getting used to the systems here but as far as myself and what I want to achieve I think I accomplished that on my debut.

“It was a good performance against Brive and we were unlucky not to get the result but it’s something we have to build on and raise the standards for the next game.

"The Russians will be a big physical prospect and I’m looking forward to it.”