Cuthbert praises job well done

By Mark Stevens
25/11/18

Alex Cuthbert believes there is more to come from Exeter Chiefs, even though they maintained their 100 per cent record in this season’s Gallagher Premiership with a 23-6 victory over Gloucester.

Rob Baxter’s side hit back from two early Danny Cipriani penalties to chalk up their eighth league win in as many starts with another powerful display at a packed Sandy Park.

Tries from Nic White and Cuthbert, together with 13 points from the boot of Gareth Steenson, proved enough for the Devonians to seal success in the first of three upcoming fixtures against the Cherry & Whites.

Post-match, a delighted Cuthbert was quick to praise his team-mates on a job well done.

“That’s a good win for us, because they really made us work,” said the Wales and British Lions winger. “They are a good side and they are third in the table for a reason. They came at us strong in that first 20 minutes, but we battled through it, and then we were able to stamp our game plan on them and eventually we got the result.”

As has often been the case this season, the Chiefs were ruthless in attack, making the most of opportunities afforded to them. However, it was their defensive display - something the players had worked on in the wake of their last-gasp win at Bristol the week previous - that really came to the fore in a dogged display.

“We had worked a lot on defence in the week and I think it showed out there in the end,” explained Cuthbert. “Each week we set ourselves targets, we try to be better than the previous week, and it was that work that ultimately allowed us to get that interception for the try I scored.

“I’m sure [Julian] Salvi will be happy with that, but it’s a great start to what is going to be a big period of games coming up for us.”

With a trip to Harlequins next on the agenda, it won’t be long before the Chiefs and Gloucester lock horns again, this time in back-to-back Heineken Champions Cup clashes, then it’s a home date with Saracens in the Premiership, followed by a testing trip to Northampton Saints in the final league game of 2018.

“We’ve got another quick turnaround, so there will be lots of work to do again this week,” said Cuthbert, who moved to the Chiefs last summer from Cardiff Blues.“We’re playing well as a side, but I do think there is still plenty more to come from us.

“Yes, we’re eight from eight, but we don’t look too much into that. As I said, there’s still lots for us to work on, but we’re looking forward to the games coming up and really kicking on further.”