Chiefs have the right vibe - Williams

By Mark Stevens
20/10/22

Those who know Harry Williams will know he’s likes his vibes.

And for the Exeter Chiefs tight-head, the ‘vibe’ around Sandy Park currently is a decent mix, such has been the impressive start to the new season for Rob Baxter’s side.

Victories over Leicester Tigers, Harlequins and Bristol Bears have been the highlights, whilst there was also a win on the road at the now defunct Worcester Warriors.

It’s been a run of results which has stemmed from an encouraging pre-season programme, one in which the Chiefs went ‘back to basics’ and got down to the grind of Rob Baxter’s hard work tone.

“We did some cool stuff in pre-season,” said the 31-year-old forward. “The stuff we did with the Royal Marines was wicked, as was the away trip we had together as a group. Having Omar [Mouniemne] come into the coaching team as well, it’s been reinvigorating to have a new voice and new ideas.

“As a group, though, there’s a lot of joy around the squad. Obviously winning games helps that, but you can see the things we’ve talked through and the way we’re playing and the way we’re training, we’re getting the fruits of all of that out on the pitch.”

This weekend, Williams and the Chiefs will renew acquaintances with one of their arch rivals, Saracens, the team who have beaten them in three previous Premiership finals and the team where often no love is lost in the heat of battle.

“It should be a hum-dinger of a game,” predicted Williams earlier this week. “Personally, I don’t feel any of that animosity that others talk about. For me, they are a good side with good players and as a player yourself, you want to go up against the best teams.

“They’ve shown not just this season, but over the years as well, that they are a top team. For us to get anything at the weekend, we know we will have to be at our best and that we will have to show up!”

This season, however, the Chiefs have been turning up and the England international has been encouraged by the performances shown so far.

“As I said, the vibe is good around the place,” said Williams. “This is my eighth season here at the club and the squad we have in place is right up there. I’m excited at seeing some of the youngsters we’ve got coming through. Guys like Christ [Tshiunza], Cappers [Richard Capstick], Daf [Jenkins] they’ve been tearing up this season.

“They are the next generation. I’ve been part of a group of guys who have come through and now we’re seeing that next group. What I like is that they are playing without any real weight of expectation on them. You can see they are free of pressure and that just reverberates around the rest of the team.”

Indeed, Williams says it’s important there is a changing of the guard, particularly with the game moving on at a rate of knots.

“If you look at games back in 2016, 2017 and compare it to now, it’s completely different,” he continued. “To be successful, you have to keep moving forward, not look back. This league is tough and every week you have to perform.”

It will be no different this Saturday!