Hepher's joy as Chiefs sink Bath
By Mark Stevens
29/11/20
Ali Hepher was full of praise for his Exeter Chiefs side as they picked up maximum reward from their latest Gallagher Premiership encounter against Bath at Sandy Park.
In a re-run of last season’s Premiership semi-final, it was the Devonians who again prospered, producing a stunning six-try victory that keeps them top of the table.
Bath - whose only points came from a first half penalty by Rhys Priestland - were again outclassed throughout by last season’s double winners. No.8 Sam Simmonds scored two tries in the opening 40 minutes, taking his seasonal tally to five already, whilst Tom O’Flaherty produced a try of the season contender with a phenomenal individual effort.
Joe Simmonds converted all three to give his side a 21-3 lead at the turn. The second half was just as one-way as the Chiefs added further scores from Sam Hidalgo-Clyne and Ian Whitten, as well as bagging a penalty try.
It was little wonder that head coach Hepher was beaming come the final whistle.
“We are really pleased with where we are mentally,” said Hepher. “Coming off the back of the two trophy wins last season, we always knew it was going to be a tough ask to back it up. That said, the short turnaround has been good for us and the guys have taken confidence from what they have achieved last season.
“Of course, they knew they have to work hard, but they have shown that over the first two games and as coaches we’re delighted with the last two weeks.”
Given a strong foothold up front by their pack, which was superbly marshalled by man-of-the-match Sam Skinner, the Chiefs had too much in all departments for Stuart Hooper’s side, who over the past two games between the clubs have now leaked 75 points and scored just nine points.
“The guys up front gave us a real platform from which to work,” said Hepher. “The weather wasn’t great again, it was tough conditions, so we’ve had to revert back to playing wet weather rugby, a bit like we did in the final.
“That means everyone has to work hard, but we saw that everywhere today. The kick chase from the wingers was fantastic, but the nine’s were on the money with their kicking as well.”
Hepher was asked about the display of Scottish International Skinner, who along with Hidalgo-Clyne had been released from international camp earlier in the week.
“I thought Skins was outstanding,” continued Hepher. “He’s a real smart player and he picks things up very quickly around the park. He also runs the line-out, so he did very well coming in with just a few days prep. Equally, I thought Will Witty was fantastic last week and Don Armand has also moved up and done well.”
Although Exeter’s attack looked in fine fettle, so too did their defence which - for a second game in succession - was not breached.
“We’re really pleased with our defence,” continued Hepher. “Our discipline has been very good; our chop tackling was fantastic; and we’re not putting ourselves under too much pressure. As I said, the guys are working incredibly hard in all aspects and we’re reaping our rewards.”
Next up for the Chiefs is Saturday’s trip to Leicester Tigers, an opponent Hepher knows from his own playing days are notoriously hard to tackle, particularly at Welford Road.
“Leicester away is as tough as any place to go,” he warned. “Again, it’s another really important game for us. We knew from the outset that the start of the season was going to be tough. We’ve come through these first two games with two wins, but now we have to go again.
“We go to Leicester next week which, as I said, will be incredibly tough and then we’re into Europe [against Glasgow Warriors and Toulouse]. The boys, though, look hungry and there is a real confidence and belief amongst them about what they can do.”