Chiefs Women to face Harlequins
By Harry Scott-Munro
5/2/21
Exeter Chiefs Women’s Head Coach Susie Appleby is keen for her side to build on a result that “holds massive promise” as they look to back up last weekend’s victory over Saracens with another big display against Allianz Premier 15s leaders Harlequins at Sandy Park tomorrow (2pm).
Last weekend’s encounter made the rest of the league sit up and take notice, as Appleby’s side ended the Londoners 33-match unbeaten run, thanks to tries from Poppy Leitch, Kate Zackary and Rachel Johnson, complemented by seven points from the boot of Gabby Cantorna.
“It’s brilliant. It’s a great one for confidence for our squad,” explained Appleby, reflecting on the performance. “We’re a new squad, a young squad, who are growing into the league. But to do that in our first season is massively exciting and holds massive promise for the future. The most important thing is that it breeds confidence. If you beat a really good side, it breeds confidence, no matter whether it’s Saracens, Bristol or whoever comes.”
On a damp and overcast day, Appleby’s side controlled the game from the off in a performance that struck the right note with their head coach.
“I think we dealt with the elements really well as it was a tricky old windy day with the rain. I think our game management was the best it’s been and alongside our physicality, especially in defence, that got us the result. However, Saturday is another day.”
Tomorrow’s clash sees Exeter come up against Gerard Mullen’s Harlequins side who sit top of the table and beat the Chiefs 33-14 in Round 3. Appleby is well aware of the challenge her side face against a formidable opponent.
“Quins are an incredibly physical side, probably the most physical side in the league,” she warned. “They have a really powerful pack and really skilful backs, so it’s a really big test coming.
“Quins are the only unbeaten side now (although the result of their postponed fixture with Saracens is awaiting appeal) and what a side they bring. We’ll respect them for who they are and who’s in their set-up, but we know them really well and what they’re doing.”
In a similar vain to Saracens, it has been a considerable period since Harlequins last tasted competitive action, although Appleby isn’t resting on her laurels when it comes to the match.
“They haven’t been on the field for two months which is unbelievable. We could catch them a little bit cold, but we won’t rely on that, we’ll prepare properly. If we can come out in the way we took the field on Saturday, that puts you massively on the front foot for the next 70 minutes.”
This week has seen Appleby’s side deal with some of the “bumps and bruises” that come from such a physical encounter as last Saturday. However, she has been delighted with the efforts of her side.
“The girls are really pleased with what we put on the field last Saturday. It wasn’t perfect, we’ve looked at a few tweaks and just tried to prepare for Quins coming to town as best we can.
“Let’s do what we’re doing really well. Let’s listen and concentrate on what we need to get better at. But it’s not masses of difference. You don’t make huge changes in a week of training; you just look at a couple of things.”
Appleby names an unchanged starting line-up for this weekend’s clash, with two enforced changes on the bench; Kayleigh Armstrong coming in for Laura Delgado who is away with the Spanish national team and Abbie Fleming replacing Alex Powell, with the latter unable to play due to work commitments.
“These are the challenges of a professional setup that isn’t fully pro because the girls work for a living and that’s life,” explained Appleby. “There’s a couple of changes but we’re able to field the same fifteen as we started last week. That continuity that we can put in week after week is putting us in a really good position.”
Last weekend also saw Appleby’s new additions get their first taste of competitive action, with Rachel Johnson crossing for a debut try. Their added impetus has pleased Appleby, with competition for places within the squad as fierce as ever.
“It’s really good to have everybody pushing to get into that starting shirt and if not, what kind of impact can they make when they do come on? Can they change the game? Can they continue the performance that we’re putting on the field? It’s a 23-player effort. It’s not just 1-15. It’s brilliant that everyone is pushing us forward.”
The game against Saracens was also streamed online by the RFU, with huge numbers watching. This weekend’s encounter will also be livestreamed, this time from the Exeter Chiefs media channels and Appleby is delighted that the game is being shown live.
“It’s absolutely brilliant. People took the time and had the interest to watch the women’s game and watch a really good game of rugby, that’s the most important thing.”
For Appleby, the chance for her side to be streamed live is a fantastic one, but one that she also hopes will inspire the next generation of South West rugby players.
“The most important thing is that those young people who are watching, they’re rugby players and they want to play the game and learn and be a part of it. The fact we can do it is absolutely brilliant and I know the girls are absolutely buzzing for it.”
You can follow the coverage live on the Exeter Chiefs YouTube channel from 1.30, with the match kicking off at 2pm.
EXETER CHIEFS WOMEN SIDE TO FACE HARLEQUINS WOMEN
15 Merryn Doidge
14 Lottie Holland
13 Lauren Cattell
12 Gabby Cantorna
11 Garnet Mackinder
10 Taylor Black
9 Flo Robinson
1 Olivia DeMerchant
2 Emily Tuttosi
3 Sachiko Kato
4 Poppy Leitch
5 McKinley Hunt
6 Ebony Jefferies
7 Kate Zackary
8 Linde Van der Velden (capt)
16 Joanna Kitlinski
17 Kayleigh Armstrong
18 Michaella Roberts
19 Abbie Fleming
20 Rachel Johnson
21 Meg Davies
22 Laura Sheehan
23 Niamh Terry