Chiefs are on warpath again as Falcons flop
THE steps may be incremental but there are signs that the Chiefs are becoming a genuine play-off threat once more.
It has not been the easiest of starts for Exeter, with last season’s domestic finalists looking far from the high-octane outfit which graced the league in 2015/16, but this victory hinted at a return to form.
Rob Baxter, their esteemed head coach, was not effusive with praise for his re-energised side, noting that the defensive display was lacking, but he finally watched a performance that rekindled memories of the previous campaign.
“We showed a little more confidence,” Baxter said. “Mentally and physically our intensity levels are getting back to where they need to be.
“I still don’t think they are where they were last year, but there are reasons for that and we’re addressing them. I think we’re approaching a level now where we feel very competitive.”
With former Falcon Will Chudley back at scrum-half for the Chiefs operating alongside Gareth Steenson, they reformed the partnership which proved so fruitful last year, showing a control Friday’s opponents have regularly struggled to muster since their return to the top-flight in 2013.
As is often the case with Dean Richards’ men, their intent to play is admirable but it also causes them a certain amount of grief, and never has that been more apt than in the game’s first try.
Mike Delany’s straight out kick-off did not exactly represent a positive start but they recovered well to set up an attacking opportunity.
From the lineout, Sam Lockwood, acting as first receiver, took the ball on. A hole had opened for the prop but, instead of barrelling into the space, the former Jersey loosehead continued with a preplanned move, feeding it to Michael Young. The Chiefs’ defence read the play and drifted across, making an intercept more than plausible and Ollie Devoto duly punished the hosts’ errant decision-making.
However, the Falcons are nothing if not gallant, and they found their way into the lead after 27 minutes through Delany’s penalty and Scott Lawson’s try.
Will Witty’s decisive burst unlocked the defensive door and Lawson was on hand to touch down from a metre out.
A score of 8-7 represent ed a deserved advantage for the Tynesiders but their penchant for shooting themselves in the foot came to pass again. This time it was discipline which saw their rearguard put under significant duress.
It allowed the Chiefs to use their trusty maul and Thomas Waldrom – who else? – was the beneficiary of the excellent work.
Steenson’s second conversion took them 14-8 ahead before a three-pointer just after the interval.
Although Delany’s effort closed that gap, Calum Green’s yellow card following a series of team indiscretions gave the Falcons’ director of rugby further headaches.
They managed to score an outstanding try while down to 14 men, with Mark Wilson’s fine break resulting in Alex Tait going over, but Baxter’s side, who were beginning to take full control of matters, responded via James Short’s excellent finish.
Newcastle’s stand-off did keep them in contention from the tee, but Chudley completed a superb win by darting over.