Whitten says Chiefs fancy their chances

By Mark Stevens
19/4/22

Ian Whitten insists Exeter Chiefs can ill afford any slip-ups if they are to reach the Gallagher Premiership play-offs this season.

Having seen hopes of European success ended with defeat to Munster at the weekend, the Devonians must now switch all of their attentions to domestic matters, starting with Sunday’s trip to Saracens (3pm).

With just three games remaining for Rob Baxter’s side, they sit in the last of the four play-off places remaining.

However, rivals Gloucester have two games in hand – one of which is likely to be adjudged a win after Worcester were forced to pull out of their recent fixture with squad issues caused by Covid – meaning that it’s all to play for in the final run-in.

Whitten, who has been part and parcel of helping lead the Chiefs to the last six Premiership finals, knows the pressure is on for the two-time champions.

“They are all big pressure games now,” said Whitten. “We cannot talk about what happened earlier in the season and be hard on ourselves, we just have to win every game!

“We have to beat Sarries [this weekend]. We cannot afford to drop any more points. Everyone here has to put their hands up and we have to look at this as an opportunity. We should have more points, but we can still do it.

“We have the potential and the experience within the squad, so why can’t we go and achieve it? Great things can happen at this club. I still believe in the lads and I know what we have in the dressing room and what is coming through.”

After Saracens this weekend, the Chiefs travel to local rivals Bristol Bears on Friday, May 20 before rounding off the regular season with the visit of defending champions Harlequins on Saturday, June 4.

Whitten remains one of the club’s old guard and last week he saw another of the long-serving Chiefs, Don Armand, call time on his career.

“Don will leave a massive hole,” added Whitten. “He’s a great guy to have around the place and a top, top player. We have been here together for a long time and have shared lots of memories, mostly of good times, and several trophies together.

“It will be sad to see him go. He should have had more England caps. For two or three years there, he was the first name on the team sheet and he was man of the match in a Premiership final. That was his time.”

Whitten, though, has no intention of following Armand into retirement just yet. Signed from Ulster back in 2012, he has amassed 262 appearance for the club to date and still has another season at least to pull on the Chiefs jersey.

“I don’t have too long left, but I’ve another year on my contract and I’ll be trying my hardest as always,” he added. “This is a great club to be a part of and there is still so much for us to achieve.”