Turner gears up for Sarries test

By Mark Stevens
23/11/17

Lachie Turner says Exeter Chiefs will be more than ready for the threat of rivals Saracens when the two meet in Sunday's top of the table clash at Allianz Park (3pm).

With little to choose between either side ahead of their Round 9 encounter, it was the the Chiefs who leapfrogged the Londoners at the summit of the Aviva Premiership last weekend when they bagged their sixth league win of the season in a 31-17 victory over Harlequins.

Exeter's victory, coupled with Saracens going down 23-17 away to Gloucester, meant it was the reigning champions who moved top for the first time this season - and Turner is keen to ensure the Chiefs maintain pole position against one of their toughest challengers.

"Sunday was a good result for us," said the Australian international. "Harlequins came out strong at us, especially in that first half, and they lived off our errors, which we gave them plenty of. The half time chat was all about making sure we played our footy and we cut down the mistakes - and you saw in the second half we were much better."

Indeed, a much stronger showing after the break from Rob Baxter's side not only saw them add a further two tries to ensure the all-important bonus point, but they also kept their rivals scoreless, an achievement not lost on the experienced Turner.

"We were a little bit rusty in the first half," he explained. "A few of us had been off for a couple of weeks, so it was just a case of blowing out the cobwebs a bit. Rob challenged us at the break to limit our mistakes, which is what we did, and to get the five points is very pleasing."

Now, Turner is keen for the Chiefs to pick up this weekend from where they left off against a Sarries outfit, who will be seeking their own immediate riposte to their setback a week ago.

"We will be better this week, I've no doubt about that," said the 30-year-old. "We know all about Saracens and what they bring. These days there are not too many surprises in a long season, but our main focus this week will be on ourselves and making sure we are better than last week."