Match Reaction - Ali Hepher

By Mark Stevens
29/10/22

Ali Hepher insists there is plenty to work on for his Exeter Chiefs side in the wake of their latest Gallagher Premiership defeat at the hands of Gloucester.

Undone the week previous by Saracens, the Chiefs succumbed to a 38-22 loss at Kingsholm as the Cherry & Whites secured the points thanks to tries from Louis Rees-Zammit, Santiago Carreras, Santiago Socino, Charlie Chapman, Ruan Ackermann and Lewis Ludlow.

The Chiefs, who were very much in the contest at 19-17 down at the break, failed to capitalise on first half scores for both Jack Maunder and Ruben Van Heerden and could only muster another touchdown from Josh Hodge in the second period.

Post-game, the Chiefs head coach gave an honest assessment of his side’s latest showing, saying: “It’s a tough result for us. I liked the endeavour we showed, where we were scrapping and working hard, especially early on in the game. We got ourselves in front in the game, but then we gave up an error which allowed them back into the game.

“Full credit to Gloucester, they were clinical and took their chances when they came along. There were times they got into the corner, but we repelled them well, but then we’d give up another penalty and in the end it was those opportunities that they were able to take.”

It’s those little learns that Hepher and his fellow coaches will be keen to address ahead of next week’s trip to Northampton Saints.

“It’s important we get things right over the weekend, so that we can come back in on Monday and really get stuck into things,” added Hepher. “Like with any game, there are learns to take from it and we’ll do that. Moving forward, what I want to see is the guys prepared to take things forward and put their best performance on the pitch.”

Certainly, the Chiefs showed at times against the Cherry & Whites that they were more than capable of causing their rivals problems and that will be key to moving forward into Round Nine.

“We felt we could do some damage with our carries, but they filled the field well,” said Hepher. “There were times where we made some good yards in that area, but then we’d lose the ball, especially in that second half, and they pounced. As I said, there are things for us to work on, bits to tidy up, but we’ll look at it all this week and look to get things right for next Friday.”