Chiefs are prized scalp - Townsend
By Mark Stevens
7/9/18
Times are a changing and Exeter scrum-half Stuart Townsend acknowledges that gone are the days when the Chiefs were every other rugby fan's second favourite club.
The rise of the Devon outfit in recent years has been nothing short of incredible, a feat capped in 2017 when Rob Baxter's side lifted the Premiership title for the first time in the club's history.
Two further appearances in the end of season showpiece at Twickenham have sandwiched that memorable day, whilst further success - on and off the field - has helped to establish the Chiefs as a rising force within the modern-day game.
Now, the Chiefs are seen as a prized scalp by their rivals and ahead of Saturday's Gallagher Premiership trip to Wasps, Townsend has issued a word of warning about the threat facing him and his team-mates this weekend.
"Wasps away is one of the toughest games on the calendar," he said. "They are a very good side, they have a dangerous backline, and they've got threats all over the pitch. We know what's coming at us this weekend and we have to be ready for a tough old battle up there."
Now, the Chiefs are seen as a prized scalp by their rivals and ahead of Saturday's Gallagher Premiership trip to Wasps, Townsend has issued a word of warning about the threat facing him and his team-mates this weekend.
"Wasps away is one of the toughest games on the calendar," he said. "They are a very good side, they have a dangerous backline, and they've got threats all over the pitch. We know what's coming at us this weekend and we have to be ready for a tough old battle up there."
With just one win at the Ricoh Arena, the Coventry venue has hardly been a happing hunting ground for Baxter and his team, who warmed up for this latest match-up with an impressive six-try victory over Leicester Tigers last weekend.
Last season's beaten finalists were in ruthless mood during their 40-6 success - and the 23-year-old back is looking for more of the same in this mouth-watering Round Two encounter.
"The weekend was right where we wanted it to be," added Townsend. "It was a full 80-minute performance from the boys and it's put us in good stead and got us excited about Wasps this weekend."
The victory put the Chiefs at the summit of the division with a full five-point haul and Townsend is hoping that will be signal for more good times this season.
"Obviously we were disappointed with how last season ended, losing the final was tough for all of us, but we've put that to bed and all we can focus on now is what we want to achieve this season.
"We've started well last week and now we've got to kick on again. Although we won the game, there is always stuff to work on, so we've looked at things again this week and now we'll look to take that into the Wasps game."
A by-product of the club's highly successful academy system, Townsend has seen first hand how the Chiefs have forged their way to the top of the English game. However, such success has made them a real target for their rivals.
"Coming into the Premiership all those years ago, people loved us and we were like everyone's favourite second team. Now, it's different, people look at us as a top side, one who are looking to be in that top four, top two each season. They all want to beat us, so it is tougher for us but, at the same time, it means we must be doing something right."
With Aussie international scrum-half Nic White struggling with a foot injury, Townsend is in line to make his first Premiership start of the season at the Ricoh with Jack Maunder offering back-up from the bench.