Atkins ready for Cup clash

By Mark Stevens
12/11/16

Ollie Atkins insists he and his Exeter Chiefs team-mates are ‘chomping at the bit’ ahead of tomorrow’s Anglo-Welsh Cup encounter with Cardiff Blues at Sandy Park (3pm).

Having come unstuck in round one against Harlequins last weekend, the Devon club know they must overcome the Welsh region if there are to stand any realistic chance of advancing into the latter stages of the competition.

And among those looking to lead the home charge is Aussie lock Atkins, who will pack down in the Exeter engine-room alongside Damian Welch.

“It’s a big game for us and I think we’re all chomping at the bit to get out there,” said the 28-year-old. “We’re coming off a pretty tough loss last week up at Harlequins, so basically we just want to get everything right, get out there and show what a good team we are.”

As has become the case with the Anglo-Welsh competition over the years, youth is again given it’s chance by the Chiefs with the likes of Billy Keast, Jack Owlett and Joe Simmonds all handed their first senior starts.

“It’s a bit of a changed up team with some new blood in it, but we’re all really excited for the weekend,” continued Atkins. “Training has gone well this week and everybody has worked hard, but at the same time we know Cardiff are going to be a tough test.

“Having played them before I know they like to play an expansive game, they throw the ball around a bit and try to get offloads going, so we’re going to have to work hard to nullify their threats as well as stamp our own game on them, If we can do that, then it will put us in good stead.”

With the Chiefs winless in their last six games, Atkins - who joined the club in the summer of 2015 from Edinburgh - hopes home advantage and a bumper Sandy Park crowd will help paid dividends for him and his team-mates.

“Ask anyone who wears a Chiefs jersey, you always love playing at Sandy Park,” he added. “It’s exciting every time you run out here and for all of us it’s a big opportunity. Not only will the young guys be looking to impress, but there are a few of us senior blokes who want to stake a claim for the first team.

“Whether it’s in training or in matches, each week you want to be seen to be banging on the door for selection. Hopefully we can all put in a good performance and in turn put our best foot forward.

Before tomorrow’s kick-off, a small Remembrance Service will be held on the pitch to mark all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice over the years. The club ask all supporters attending the game to get into their ticketed positions before the start of the service to avoid any kind of disruption.