Armand looking to build on Sarries win

By Mark Stevens
5/1/20

Don Armand says last weekend’s victory over Saracens will count for little if he and his Exeter Chiefs team-mates don’t back it up with a similar outcome in today’s Gallagher Premiership encounter with London Irish (2:30pm).

The Chiefs will kick-off the New Year on the road, travelling to the Madjeski Stadium to face an Exiles side, who are currently sitting ninth on their return to English Rugby’s top flight.

Last Sunday’s 14-7 success against defending champions Saracens ensured Rob Baxter’s side ended 2019 top of the pile in the Premiership - and it’s a position that will be looking to maintain come the final whistle this afternoon.

Armand, recalled to the starting line-up for this Round Eight encounter, says he is looking forward to helping down the first marker of 2020 for the Devonians.

“It’s another big game for us,” he said. “We know the way the Premiership is going these days, competition is high right across the board, and any team is capable of wining on their day. We’ve got to go up there, prepped as best we can, and pitch up.

“They [Irish] have put in some good performances already this season and they have some dangerous players. As I said, we know we can’t take any side lightly at this level. Yes, it’s nice to be top, but it can be lost easy. Right now it means nothing at this stage to be where we are, we know we have to make sure every point counts.”

The visitors, however, have travelled in buoyant mood having picked off a full-loaded Saracens side. Armand admits that victory was the perfect way to sign off the year, particularly given it was the Londoners who denied them a second league crown at Twickenham back in June.

“It was nice to get a little bit of revenge,” added Armand. “It was a big game for every involved - you could see that by the way the crowd got involved - and it was the same out on the pitch as well. A lot of emotion was poured into that game, so it was nice to come away with the win.”