Winning start pleases Vermeulen
By Mark Stevens
22/10/19
Jacques Vermeulen says he and his Exeter Chiefs team-mates must use Saturday’s opening day victory over Harlequins in the Gallagher Premiership as the foundations from which to build into Friday’s trip to rivals Bath.
Rob Baxter’s side kicked-off their new campaign with a 22-19 success over the Londoners in a hard-fought encounter at Sandy Park.
Fly-half Joe Simmonds produced an unblemished kicking display that yielded 17 points, whilst lock Jonny Hill continued his recent scoring streak when he claimed Exeter’s only try in the first half.
Although victorious, Vermeulen echoed the views of the Chiefs coaching staff who, despite being happy with the win, know there was plenty to work in the aftermath of that triumph.
“It was a tough game, but we managed to pull it through at the end,” said the South African, who alongside compatriot, Jannes Kirsten, was getting his first taste of English Rugby’s top division.
“The boys are happy right now, it was good to get the win, and it’s a positive result to take into the Bath game this week.”
With little to choose between either side for much of the contest, Vermeulen admitted his first experience of life in the Premiership lived up to expectations.
“The atmosphere at Sandy Park was brilliant and I enjoyed it so much,” he continued. “The crowd here really lift you and it makes you want to run through brick walls. As I said, it was brilliant to play and to get the win, but there is still plenty for us to work on.”
Paul Gustard’s visitors were certainly hearty opponents, providing a number of concerns to the Chiefs during the course of the game. That said, the Chiefs – although not at their best – were able to dig deep enough to claw out what was a well-earned four points.
“We weren’t at our best today and we know there is plenty of things to work on, but we showed the graft, we worked hard for one another, and we got the result, which is the most important thing,” continued Vermeulen, who only arrived in Devon last month from South African side, the Sharks.
Now, the 24-year-old will be hoping add to his Premiership debut when the Chiefs travel to The Rec on Friday night. Waiting in the Roman City will be a Bath outfit, who themselves will be licking their wounds following a heavy 43-16 loss to Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate.
Vermeulen says the Chiefs must ready themselves for a potential Bath backlash and has issued a timely word of warning ahead of kick-off.
“Every team in the Premiership is going to be tough,” he said. “Today’s game showed how tough the division is and it will be the same next week. We will have to be ready to work hard, get stuck into them and do our best to get the win.”