Yenz set for upcoming battle

By Mark Stevens
25/11/17

Exeter Chiefs captain Jack Yeandle says it’s imperative he and his team-mates look to kick on having given themselves a decent foundation to build from on all fronts this season.

The defending Aviva Premiership champions face arguably one of their toughest assignments to date on Sunday when they tackle Saracens at Allianz Park (3pm).

Although both sides are missing key personnel due to injury and international call-ups, the wealth of talent on show is still mightily impressive and Yeandle knows nothing less than a 100% showing will be enough for the Chiefs to prosper.

“This block of games leading up to the Christmas period is not only heavy, but incredibly tough,” he said. “We’re edging ever nearer the halfway point of the season and we’re in a good position in all competitions. However, we can’t afford to drop off now, instead we have to follow things through, starting with Sunday.”

The Chiefs claimed pole position in the league standings a week ago when they not only made the most of Sarries slipping up at Gloucester, but they then themselves recorded a 31-17 home win over Harlequins 48 hours later.

Whilst not a vintage display from Rob Baxter’s side, particularly in the opening half at Sandy Park, the Chiefs underlined their credentials with aplomb by bagging all five points thanks to tries on the day from Lachie Turner, Ollie Woodburn and a brace from lock Jonny Hill.

Yeandle acknowledged there were parts of that performance that have needed some fine tuning this week, but he says the visitors will travel to the capital in buoyant mood and looking to pick off one of their major top rivals on their own turf.

“We’re fully aware parts of our performance last week were off and that there were a few too many individual errors, myself included,” said the hooker. “That said, we picked up the result and the five points and that’s what we wanted beforehand. To be top of the table and picking up five points, ultimately you’ve got to be pleased with that. Moving forward this weekend, we’re fully aware that we have to get our performance right from the outset.

“Saracens, we know, stick to their structures very well. They look to squeeze you in defence and when they get an opportunity in attack, they put everything into it. We know what’s coming at us and we’ve shown we can deal with that threat in the past, now we’ve got to up there and show we can do it again.”