Devoto's raring to go

By Mark Stevens
29/3/18

Ollie Devoto insists Exeter Chiefs are "raring to go" ahead of tomorrow's Anglo-Welsh Cup final against Bath at Kingsholm (2:30pm).

Just days after the two locked horns in the Aviva Premiership - the Chiefs won 20-18 at the Rec last Friday - the Westcountry rivals meet again in a bid to claim the first piece of major silverware this season.

With the final postponed a fortnight ago due to the recent heavy snowfall, Devoto will start in a powerful Chiefs line-up that will be hoping to secure the Anglo-Welsh prize for the second time in the club's history.

Appearing in a fourth successive final, the Chiefs have only ever lifted the crown once before - that was back in 2014 against Northampton Saints - and the England international is keen to address that statistic against his former club.

"We're all looking forward to it," said Devoto. "It's been a few weeks since we were supposed to play the final, but we played Bath last week as well in the Premiership, so we've sat down and analysed them quite a bit.

"Obviously we got the win against them last week [in the Premiership] in what was a tight game, but we've tweaked one or two things this week and now we're raring to go."

Just fly-half Joe Simmonds remains in the Chiefs starting line-up from that which took to the field last Friday night, while Bath have kept seven of their team in harness for what promises to be a mouth-watering encounter.

Devoto, however, is one of a number of experienced names that the Chiefs will send into battle, underlining the strength in depth that exists within the playing ranks at Sandy Park.

"We're lucky to have the strength in depth that we have here at the club," explained the 24-year-old back. "We've got guys coming back from injury, young gungs who have been playing really well, and then those guys who are pushing hard on the edge.

"Everyone is keen to keep the momentum going, as well as showcase what they can do, so that we can really attack these last few games of the season."

And having been part of the Chiefs side that lifted the Premiership title last May, Devoto is keen to savour more success with the Devon club.

"It's final rugby, so anything can happen," replied Devoto when asked whether the Chiefs have learnt from past experiences. "The good thing is we've had a fair bit of experience in the last few years, so hopefully we can cut any errors and do enough to get the victory on the day."