Hogg's delight as supporters return
By Mark Stevens
14/12/20
Exeter Chiefs marked the return of fans back inside Sandy Park with the perfect performance according to star full-back Stuart Hogg.
A crowd of 2,000 were treated to a vintage display by Rob Baxter's side as they kicked off the defence of their Heineken Champions Cup crown with a 42-0 victory over Glasgow Warriors.
Hogg - against his former club - was one of six try-scorers for the home side, touching down alongside further scores from Sam Simmonds, Jonny Gray, Jack Yeandle, Olly Woodburn and Jonny Hill.
Visitors Glasgow had no answer to the power-play of the European champions, who provided a touching lap of honour at the final whistle to thank those supporters who have had to spend the past nine months watching their heroes from afar.
"It was amazing having the fans back in," said the Scottish captain at the final whistle. "It's one of the the reasons I came here to play. The Chiefs fans are rugby daft and it was brilliant to have them back in and cheering for us."
Although it was only 2,000 fans inside the stadium, Hogg was impressed with how they made themselves heard from the sidelines.
"It was only 2,000, but at times it felt like 20,000," he added. "For me, there is no better place to play rugby and I can't wait for the day when it's all safe and well to get this place rocking again!"
For those lucky enough to be in attendance on Sunday, they could not have asked for a better showing on their return. Pretty much from the outset the Chiefs ruled proceedings, producing a performance that underlined their tag as European Rugby's top dogs.
"We talked a lot about playing the conditions," said Hogg. "It was wet and windy, but I thought we dealt with it very well. We kicked when we had to - and we played when the opportunities were there. What we had to our game was a real clinical edge and long may that continue.
"Personally, I'm chuffed to bit with the performance of the guys and now we have to get ready again and focus on Toulouse this weekend."
Hogg admitted he was given a taste of what to expect from the Chiefs crowd as the team went out for their pre-game walkthrough.
"I think it's something we've all being looking forward to," he continued. "Having a crowd back in was fantastic and no matter how many were going to be here today, they were going to make themselves heard.
"Coming out before the game you could feel the excitement and the buzz about the place. As players, we loved having them back with us and it gave us that added energy we needed to push on at vital times."
The Chiefs will continue their European campaign this Sunday when they make a first-ever trip to the Stade Ernes Wallon to face a Toulouse side, who they beat in last season's semi-finals.
The star-studded French outfit kicked off their own Champions Cup campaign on Friday night with a bonus point victory away to Ulster.