Home semi is target for Dollman

By David Byrom
6/4/17

Phil Dollman says Exeter Chiefs have got to target a home play-off semi-final as they head into Saturday's derby against Bristol (3pm).

The Chiefs host their local rivals on Saturday knowing that a bonus point win will secure them a play-off spot for the second consecutive year.

Dollman believes that, with the side currently second with just four games remaining this season, they need to make sure they can earn themselves a Sandy Park semi-final.

He said: "We've put a lot of hard work into this season so far, so we'd be disappointed to let that slip now but we've just got to take it game by game.

"This weekend is massive for us so we've got to make sure we get things right on the weekend and then move on from there.

"I expect everything – Bristol are going to lay it out on the line. There's going to be a good atmosphere and a lot of people will come to watch, so they're not going to want to shy away, sit in the background and watch us play, they're going to want to be a part of it and make an upset."

The Chiefs are boosted by the fact this is one of two home games they have remaining this season but Welsh back Dollman believes they cannot take this for granted, with everyone else also targeting valuable points.

He said: "We want to try and win every game and having two games at home is good for us but everyone else is wanting wins so we've got to make sure we're right on it and going for wins ourselves."

A sell-out crowd is expected at Sandy Park this weekend for the clash which Dollman is looking forward to.

However, he knows that the Chiefs must help to encourage the crowd by playing a strong brand of attractive rugby against their rivals.

He said: "It's always great when Sandy Park is full, it's always loud as well, so it's brilliant to play in an atmosphere like that. Hopefully we can add to that with the brand of rugby we produce and the physicality of the performance we put onto the pitch at the weekend."

Chiefs go into the game after an unconvincing 30-25 win over Sale and Dollman admits they need to improve.

He said: "It was a tough game and we can be critical of ourselves – we know there are areas of our game we let slip and we could have improved on to make it a lot more comfortable and convincing performance. I think we still played some really good stuff in there, though, and we can't forget that."