Chiefs Women to face Worcester
By Harry Scott-Munro
3/12/21
Exeter Chiefs Women’s Head Coach Susie Appleby believes that it will be “a fun few weeks ahead” as her side look to build some winning momentum, starting tomorrow night against Worcester Warriors in the Allianz Premier 15s (5.30pm.)
After seven weeks without any league action, Appleby admitted that “it almost felt like we started again last week” as her side marked their return to top-flight duty with a defence dominated 14-7 victory over Loughborough Lightning at Sandy Park.
Heading into the second of five consecutive fixtures before Christmas, Appleby admitted that the results in the next few weeks will go a long way to determining where her side finish come the final reckoning.
“It was such a big lay off with the autumn internationals and obviously, we had the Allianz Cup games, but last week we found we were a little bit rusty," she said. "It’s a long season and it’s almost like we’ve had one part in the first five games. Now, we’re in that next block before Christmas and then there’s a massive run of five games. We just need to keep improving and working hard, which this group is absolutely fantastic at.”
Reflecting on last weekend’s victory over Loughborough, Appleby was honest in her appraisal of the performance of her side, feeling that they could sharpen up on their second half showing.
“Last week, we were pleased with the first half and controlled the elements really well. But in the second half, we went away from our processes a little bit, which you can’t do against any top side," she added. "This week, let’s just have some tidy ups, keep doing what we’re doing, and really build. It’s about developing our understanding of how we go from A to B to C. Let’s look to improve as a squad and bring each other forward on this journey.”
Appleby, though, is under no illusions of the challenge that will be facing her side at Sixways. The Warriors may have been dispatched at Sandy Park recently in the Allianz Cup, but they will be at full strength for this one and roared on by the Sixways faithful. Jo Yapp’s side have been a threat all season, with Appleby knowing her side will have to bring their A-game.
“We’re going in this weekend facing a team who are performing really well and have only just missed out on some big wins," said Appleby. "They’ve got good players; they’re very well drilled and we need to be right on the money this weekend. They’ve had a couple of near misses, but you can bet your life that they will be wanting to impress their home crowd. We just need to be accurate.”
Ahead of kick-off, Appleby highlighted the threat of Worcester’s backline, as well as the challenge that their front row will pose to the Chiefs.
“They have very quick outside backs. They’ve got very strong players, two international hookers and Flo Long at tight-head who has been performing well, as well as a good solid pack,” Appleby noted. “But, if you give them loose ball, their counter-attack is exquisite, so you can’t do that and have to be really accurate with what you do.”
Going into tomorrow's encounter, Appleby has shuffled her side from that victory over Loughborough. With Merryn Doidge only fit enough to be named amongst the replacements, having suffered a dead leg last week, co-captain Kate Zackary shifts to outside centre.
In the pack, Canadian international pair Emily Tuttosi and DaLeaka Menin return to the starting line-up with Abbie Fleming packing down in the second-row with Linde Van der Velden. In the back-row, Zackary’s move into the centres sees Maisy Allen shift to No.8 and co-captain Poppy Leitch starts at openside flanker.
Appleby’s side have had to deal with their fair share of injuries this season, but the Head Coach has chosen to see the positives, with players coming into the side and stamping their authority on the jersey.
“We’ve picked up a couple on injuries so that has given others the opportunities, but we want to keep improving our performance. We just need to keep absorbing and processing and then that’s all you can ask for. The work effort is huge for our group but it’s going to be a fun few weeks.”
Tomorrow’s match will also be live-streamed via the Premier 15s website, for supporters who wish to watch the action.
