Match Reaction - Susie Appleby

By James Fowler
8/1/23

Susie Appleby said that she knew her Exeter Chiefs side would have to ‘grind it out’ against rivals Sale Sharks – and that was certainly what transpired, with the visitors coming out victorious 35-10 in the Allianz Premier 15s.

Three first half tries from Kate Zackary, Jodie Ounsley and Hope Rogers laid the foundations for the Chiefs, before a strong third quarter finished the job off, with Merryn Doidge firstly going over for the bonus point try, before a second from Rogers ensured the victory was complete.

Fly-half Liv McGoverne was perfect with the boot, as she slotted all five of her conversion attempts, to maintain her rich vein of form with the boot.

Appleby was clearly happy to have come through this first test of 2023 following the Christmas break.

“The main thing was to get back in after three weeks off and get back on the field. Coming up here is tough no matter when you come and they’re a good side, gutsy side, and we knew that were going to have grind it out and that’s exactly what happened,” she said.

With the wet January conditions, this was always going to be a game won and lost in the forwards, and Appleby was certainly pleased with how her pack acquitted themselves, describing them as ‘outstanding’.

“Rachel Johnson was unbelievable today. The whole front row were brilliant. The amount of tackles Kate Zackary put in and real big tackles, so definitely some stand out performances, but collectively that’s the main thing that we collectively move forward.”

Appleby continued; “We’re happy that we’re going home with five points and moving onto Saracens next week.”

The try of the game came from full-back Doidge, who cut a brilliant line through the middle after a strong driving maul had set up the position.

“Merryn (Doidge) is still a young player, but she’s doing really, really well, and as you can see she’s very versatile, she can move across the back three, she’s developing her kicking game so she’s becoming quite a player for us, and obviously Flo Robinson a young player, 21, and she’s on her 50^th cap today, so there’s brilliant stuff going on with our squad.”

Appleby was keen to highlight her delight at seeing Nancy McGillivray make her first Premier 15s appearance of the season following a long injury lay-off.

“She’s usually a 12, but the England Under-20s are keen on seeing her run at 13. She’s just a very good player and she’s a little bit rusty today, but she’s just going to get better and better.”

Despite their victory, the Chiefs were at times on the wrong side of the referee’s whistle, with the penalty count certainly not being in the visitors favour in the second half. Appleby was therefore keen to make sure that her side’s discipline improves moving forward through the season.

“The irony is I praised them on their discipline thus far in the league, but you can’t give away that many penalties and survive against better sides.”

Looking ahead to next Saturday’s huge encounter with the Premier 15s champions Saracens at Sandy Park, Appleby said that her side need ‘no more motivation’ to get up for that game having lost in last season’s final to the same opponents.

“Saracens are a good side, they’ve been missing a lot of their England players but they were back in yesterday so they’re starting to find their groove again. They haven’t played a lot, but Saracens come with a huge reputation, they’re the champions, they beat us in the final, I need no more motivation for our girls to get up for that.”