Western Morning News (Saturday)
Chiefs look to re-ignite season on Euro stage
EXETER Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter has told his players to shake off the ‘emotional baggage’ of last weekend’s loss at Bath and focus their minds on the visit of Montpellier to Sandy Park in the last 16 of the Champions Cup.
The reigning French champions will arrive at Sandy Park tomorrow (12.30pm) looking to inflict further woe on the Chiefs, who were left shell-shocked by their disappointing Premiership display at The Rec just seven days earlier.
Tuesday’s review of that performance would not have been pretty for anyone, but Baxter was quick to stress that he – and his players for that matter – have looked to address the issues in some open and honest discussions and now is the time for the Chiefs to re-ignite themselves on the big European stage.
“There was some tough talking, but I did think their needed to be,” said Baxter. “As a group, we all our had say, we all got things off our chest and now it’s a case of moving forward, starting with this weekend.
“For me, personally, I’m really looking forward to the game. I know some people will ask why, but the first thing I’m looking forward to is that first scrum, just to see if we have taken on board what happened last week and take on board what has happened in training this week. I want to see if we go: ‘Right, I’m here and I’m ready to stand up and fight’.”
As he warned, Baxter has made changes to his line-up and has rewarded some of those who impressed in the recent Premiership Rugby Cup Final victory over London Irish, with Tom Wyatt, Sean O’Brien and Will Becconsall all getting their chance from the outset on Sunday.
He acknowledged the freedom that was shown by that team is something he is keen to have within the ranks this weekend and has used this week to tell his players to focus on their own games which, collectively, can produce a performance to topple the visiting Frenchmen.
“I have no doubt the players want to play well,” added Baxter. “Some of our issues on how we end up not winning games is because of a kind of desperation to do well at this end stage of the season. As a side, though, we have to try and guide that desperation in the right channels and that energy in the right places.
“The key for me – and this is probably why I spoke so much about the team that played in the Premiership Cup Final – is they are probably a bit free of that emotional baggage and frustration that some of the other guys have. For them, it’s pretty simple, they just want to get on the field and play.”
Standing in the way of the Chiefs in their pursuit of a place in the quarter-finals are Montpellier, who on their two previous visits to Devon have shipped over 40 points on both occasions.
Baxter, though, is aware of the threat they pose to his side and has issued a timely word of warning ahead of kick-off this weekend.
“They are a good side, but I’m kind of pleased about that,” he said. “Some of our best performances, particularly in Europe have come against good sides. Knowing it will be a challenge this weekend, I know will bring the best out of our guys.”
In team news, Baxter make two changes to his pack, bringing in the sizeable frames of both Jonny Gray and Jannes Kirsten. Outside of them, there is a new half-back pairing of
Becconsall and Joe Simmonds, the former replacing Sam Maunder, who is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a serious knee injury.
Sean O’Brien comes into the midfield in place of Solomone Kata, while Tom Wyatt will make his firstever European appearance, replacing Josh Hodge at full-back.