Ben 'over the moon' with Chiefs' form

Exeter Chiefs prop Ben Moon insists the squad is delighting in ruffling the feathers of the established order and backed the team to continue its dynamic forward momentum.

The Chiefs are on a six-game winning streak in all competitions, form which has seen them rapidly climb the Aviva Premiership to sixth place with the play-off places within just two points.

In their debut Heineken Cup season, Rob Baxter's men also recorded a historic 22-16 win over Scarlets at Parc y Scarlets - their first ever success in Europe's top cup competition - and they welcome them to Sandy Park for the return fixture on Saturday.

This is all in just their third season ever in the top flight after missing out on a place in last year's play-offs by just six points.

And Moon (pictured) claims the chance to challenge themselves against the traditional rugby 'big boys' is continuing to spur the club on to greater heights although their feet are all still very much on the ground.

"It has been a few years since we come up now and the standard of rugby is always getting higher and higher and we have enjoyed ruffling the feathers of the big teams," said the 23-year-old.

"Scarlets are a very well respected team so if we can do the double over them would be very nice. It is nice to play against the big names it helps get the lads up for the games which seems to be working well and we're really enjoying training.

"We're genuinely just looking at each game individually and making it all about us, not worrying about what the other team are doing or saying we need to win a block of four - that is where the success is coming from.

"Whatever will be will be and it is when you start looking too far into the future that things come back to bite you."

Chiefs were dealt a blow this week when hooker Chris Whitehead (pictured) was ruled out for three months after being told he needed surgery on a neck injury.

But Moon, who has made nine Aviva Premiership appearances off the bench so far this season, claimed the squad could cope after dealing with Tom Johnson and Haydn Thomas' absences.

"Chris has been doing very well for himself but we have some very good hookers who are just as good and can step in - that is what they are here for," he added. "We know we have players in the ranks who have that knowledge and can do the job if needed. Personally I would like to get a few starts here and there, but just to be getting on the pitch as well."