Hodge relishing Falcons return
By Mark Stevens
16/2/22
Josh Hodge believes there is a real air of confidence running through the Exeter Chiefs camp – and they must use that to their advantage ahead of Sunday’s trip to Newcastle Falcons in the Gallagher Premiership.
The young full-back will return to his former club this week on a high, having helped the Chiefs to record an impressive 24-15 victory over Gloucester at the weekend.
That success helped the Chiefs to not only end a three-game losing streak but, more importantly, fire themselves firmly back into the play-off picture with Gloucester and Harlequins both losing at the weekend.
“Having lost in the dying minutes last week [against Wasps], it’s always good to bounce back with a win,” said the 21-year-old. “Obviously, there was real disappointment immediately after that game, but we took all the positives from that performance into training this week – and then again into the game today.”
Up against an in-form Gloucester outfit, the Chiefs never let their rivals settle at Sandy Park. A powerful performance into the wind in the first half set the tone as the two sides turned around at 5-5, before the hosts pulled clear after the break.
Jack Innard claimed Exeter’s opening try, before Patrick Schickerling, Olly Woodburn and Tom O’Flaherty got in on the scoring act after the break.
“We knew Gloucester were going to be tough,” added Hodge. “They have been one of the form sides in the division, but we didn’t let them settle and just put our game on them from the outset.”
With the Chiefs again minus a glut of star names due to injury and international call-ups, Hodge and his team-mates again made the most of their opportunity to show the coaches of their undoubted worth.
“I’m loving get a run of games,” continued Hodge. “We’ve had a few boys make their debuts in the last few weeks, so we’re all trying to get that experience under our belts and build on it. You can see in our performance that we’re all thriving and looking to play as positively as we can.”
Now, the Chiefs and Hodge will be looking to replicate that showing on the road against the Falcons, who won the corresponding fixture 15-14 back in November.
“I know it’s a cliché, but we’re just taking it one game at a time,” said Hodge. “Going to Newcastle, I’m sure it’ll be cold up there and I’ll need the skins on. Equally, they are a tough side with some very good players. We know we will need to be at our best if we are to come away with anything from the game.”