Dennis going 'all-out' for Euro response

By Mark Stevens
11/12/18

Dave Dennis says Exeter Chiefs will be going 'all-out' in their quest to rescue their Heineken Champions Cup campaign, starting with Friday's trip to Gloucester (7:45pm).

After three rounds of battle, Rob Baxter's side bottom of the pile in Pool Two and without a win in Europe's top club competition.

An opening round draw against Munster at Sandy Park has been followed by defeats to Castres and Gloucester, the latter of which was at the weekend when the Cherry & Whites became the first team to win in Devon since February.

Exeter's 27-19 was also the first time in three years where the Chiefs have not secured at least a losing bonus point from their on-field efforts and Aussie international was quick to highlight the disappointment and frustration that lingered within the home changing room at the final whistle.

"Going into the game we said we wanted to put in a strong performance, especially knowing where we were sitting in Europe," he said. "To come out with no points, it's hugely disappointing.

"It means we now lie in a position where we not only have to win our last three games, but we have to get five points from all of them. As I said, it's frustrating and disappointing and right now we can't put our finger on quite what went wrong. The intent and the prep going into the game was good - and Gloucester played well on the day - but I think we also allowed them to play well. We weren't a team reflective of what we are capable of here at the Chiefs."

The good thing about sport, however, is that you don't have to wait long to put matters right. Indeed, the unique nature of the Champions Cup means that the two December fixtures provide back-to-back clashes against the same opposition and the Chiefs will head to Kingsholm on Friday determined to set the record straight.

"We've got a short turnaround before the next week, so we'll knock over the review of this game and look to go again," added Dennis. "We'll stay positive, like we always do, and we'll get up there and chase after that bonus point win."