Chiefs side to face Harlequins
By Mark Stevens
3/3/23
It’s a ‘Big Game’ on all fronts for Exeter Chiefs tomorrow as they prepare to tackle rivals Harlequins in their latest Gallagher Premiership clash at Twickenham (5:15pm).
Rob Baxter’s side head to the capital looking not only to maintain their impressive run of form, but at the same time play the role of ‘party poopers’ as the Londoners celebrate their annual day out at English Rugby HQ.
Originally due to face Bristol Bears in Big Game 14, transport strikes and other logistical issues meant that festive fixture was transferred back to The Stoop and instead replaced with the visit of both the Chiefs Men’s and Women’s games this weekend.
It’s an occasion which always delivers, both on and off the field, but the Chiefs Director of Rugby has used this week to spell out to his players the importance of not being distracted by what’s going on around them - and instead tune in to on-field matters as they look to get themselves firmly in the play-off mix.
“We’ve got to make sure that if it’s a big game, that’s effective for us, not just for Harlequins,” he said. “Over the years they’ve tended to do well in these games and it’s a while since we last played in one. That day we didn’t perform, so we’ve got to make sure that doesn’t happen again.
“For us, it's an opportunity for our lads to play at Twickenham in what will be a raucous atmosphere, but the reality of that is it's a game where we've got to collect some points. We’re a much different team with a different level of experience and expectation to the last time we play in this fixture, but at the same time we have to lock ourselves down for what will be a hugely important game.
“Over the last four, five, six weeks, we’ve worked hard to challenge in every game and get ourselves back around that top four. Now, it’s up to us to maintain that form and really see it off between now and the end of the season.”
With just six games of the regular season remaining, Baxter acknowledges there can be little room for slip-up over the coming weeks.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a series of knockout games, because one defeat won’t knock you out, but it’s definitely a series of one-off games,” added Baxter. “The only way to keep things in your hands is to go after each and every game and collect every point you can. We’ve probably let some points slip earlier in the season, but more recently we’ve been collecting wins and we’ve been maintaining that chase.
“Sale last week was a big win. They’ve been one of the most consistent sides in the division this season and are always tough to beat. That said, in the scenario we found ourselves in, we probably could have got that bonus point and scored another try. We had opportunities, which frustratingly we didn’t take, but equally we held firm at the end to see off the game.
“As I said, had we won one of two more away games earlier in the season, we wouldn’t be worrying so much about points. We would be in and around that top two or three and looking to push forward for the play-offs in this last block. Because we haven’t won more away, it just creates a bigger challenge and Saturday is the next one of those that we have to overcome.”
Team news for the Chiefs sees the visitors boosted by the return of international trio Jonny Gray, Dafydd Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza in the pack. The trio were all involved in the Guinness Six Nations Championship last weekend, but return for the outing at Twickenham.
The back division remains unchanged for the visitors, but there are returns on the bench for Jack Yeandle and Marcus Street, the latter of whom made his first appearance since October when he featured in the midweek friendly against the Royal Navy.
