Match Reaction - Rob Hunter
By Mark Stevens
22/1/23
Exeter Chiefs forwards coach Rob Hunter underlined the importance of home advantage after his secured a Heineken Champions Cup last-16 tie at Sandy Park.
Exeter’s 40-3 victory over Castres guaranteed the Devonians of a top-four finish in Pool A after they collected a crucial bonus-point.
Henry Slade, Sam Simmonds, Jack Nowell and Christ Tshiunza all crossed the line for the hosts, who also bagged a penalty try in each half.
They were helped by Castres’ woeful indiscipline that saw No.8 Feiyban Taking sent off for a dangerous high tackle on James Kenny just before half-time, while flankers Baptiste Delaporte and Mathieu Babillot were both yellow-carded, along with prop Aurelien Azar.
It meant that the visitors were briefly reduced to 12 players, yet the Chiefs did not secure a five-point maximum until seven minutes from time through a second penalty try.
“It wasn’t straightforward. It has been a season of highs and lows so far,” Hunter said. “It was a very erratic first half from both sides, but I am very pleased with the way we stuck at it, shook ourselves off and finished with a flourish.
“It is really important to get that home draw. History would say that being at home in this competition is an important thing.From here on in you have just got to win the next game. Whoever we get will be pretty tough. We are passionate about Europe – it is such an amazing competition. We love Europe and we want to stay in it for as long as we can.”
Castres were restricted to an early Ben Botica, and while it was a game that will not live long in the memory, 2020 European champions will feel relieved to have got the job done.
Tshiunza and his fellow Wales Six Nations squad member Dafydd Jenkins caught the eye with impressive displays, underlining huge roles they will play in the club’s future, alongside the likes of Greg Fisilau and Josh Hodge who also impressed against the Frenchmen.
Hunter added: “Christ and Dafydd will continue to learn, so them going away with the Wales boys, they will learn a lot. Dafydd’s game understanding for a young guy is second to none, as is Christ’s athleticism. Christ running tries in is something I would like to see for the next 10 years.
“The players leaving at the end of the season don’t owe the club anything. They’ve had some tremendous successes here. We wish them the very best. It will be a very emotional farewell. They are a very tight-knit group, guys we have seen grow up together.
“At the same time, it will be great for them to experience a different culture, a different country, a different team.”