Nowell relishing Saracens showdown

By Mark Stevens
1/12/21

Jack Nowell insists he and his Exeter Chiefs need no extra motivation ahead of Saturday’s crunch Gallagher Premiership clash with Saracens at Sandy Park (3pm).

In what will be the first meeting between the two clubs since September 2020, excitement is building ahead of what promises to be a mouth-watering showdown between two of the top-flight’s leading lights.

Both clubs come into the game on the back of victories last weekend and Nowell is hoping the Chiefs can use their success over Bath as the springboard for a big month ahead of the Devonians.

“That was a tough win, but a really good result on the road for us,” said the England and British Lions winger. “If we’re being honest, we’ve probably let ourselves down in the Premiership, especially at home, so this is a good stepping stone for us to take into the Sarries game.”

The Chiefs were made to fight all the way at The Rec by Bath, but it was some later invention from the Simmonds brothers, Joe and Sam, which helped secure a much-needed 23-16 success.

“Bath are trying to find their form and it’s been a tough season so far for them,” added Nowell. “That said, they were physical and they took the game to us. You know coming here it’s never going to be easy – and it wasn’t tonight. We know we’ve not played at our best this season, but we’ve got the win here and we know there is still more to come from us.”

The Cornishman is expected to again line up for the Chiefs against a Sarries outfit, who have shown their qualities on their return to the Premiership following their relegation the previous year into the Championship.

“Whenever you play Sarries you know it’s going to be a big, physical encounter,” warned Nowell. “They are certainly on form, but for us we know we don’t need any extra motivation for a game like this. We’re at home this weekend and we know we owe ourselves and the supporters a big performance.”