Competition is key insists Turner

By Mark Stevens
12/3/17

Try-scorer Lachie Turner believes the competition for places within the Exeter Chiefs squad is helping to drive standards onwards and upwards at the Devon club.

The Australian international claimed the first of four tries for the Chiefs as they booked themselves a place in this Sunday’s Anglo-Welsh Cup final with a 24-7 victory over Harlequins at Sandy Park.

Turner opened the deadlock with a stunning finish on ten minutes and he was followed over the whitewash by team-mates Max Bodilly, Julian Salvi and Sam Simmonds during another entertaining contest.

Exeter’s victory means the Chiefs will now face rivals Leicester Tigers - who themselves won at defending champions Saracens - in the upcoming showpiece event at the Twickenham Stoop (3pm).

At the final whistle, the 29-year-old back was quick to talk up the chances of the Chiefs after this latest success over the visiting Londoners.

“Lot of guys have a lot to play for, especially as competition for spots in the Premiership line-up is so intense right now,” said Turner. “I think for guys who have not played for a while, it was really pleasing to go out there and put that sort of performance on.

“If you look around the squad we have a number of guys who have played a lot of Prem footy and who don’t like watching week in, week out. We all want to be playing, so when you get your chance - like today - you have to take it.

“Right across the board we have guys pushing really hard, so to out in a performance like that is not only pleasing, but it also put others who have been playing on a notice.

“Now, we have a chance to go again next week and, hopefully, win a trophy.”

In a dominant display from the Chiefs, Harlequins had little answer to the power, pace and precision of Ricky Pellow’s side - and their only real on the day came in the final minute when replacement Calum Waters crossed for a late consolation score.

With the Chiefs again parading a healthy mix of youth and experience, Turner insists the future looks bright for the Westcountry outfit, who will be hoping to emulate the efforts of the Class of 2014 in lifting the Anglo-Welsh title for a second time.

Helping to lead the way again for the Chiefs were highly-rated youngsters Stuart Townsend, who picked up the BT Sport man-of-the-match accolade, and the Simmonds brothers, Joe and Sam (pictured).

Turner admits the conveyor belt of homegrown talent coming through the ranks at the club is impressive - and he says it’s exciting to be training and playing alongside such players.

“The club is full of this kind of talent,” said the Sydney-born flyer. “The Simmonds brothers are outstanding footballers and there are others doing just as well alongside them. All of them have massive futures at the club, but they are also being led by some great guys like Julian Salvi, Gareth Steenson and Jack Yeandle. They are pretty good guys to learn off.”

No doubt that young talent, along with the experienced Turner, will get the chance to shine again in Sunday’s final against the Tigers - and it’s a contest the Aussie ace wants to be part of.

“Both teams will be going for it, but that’s what you expect when you reach a final,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who you play, you’ll want to win it. Next week will be next week, though, for now let’s enjoy today and soak up what was a pretty solid performance here at Sandy Park.”