Baxter expects 'huge challenge'

By Mark Stevens

Rob Baxter insists his Exeter Chiefs side can expect a "huge challenge" when Aviva Premiership action returns to Sandy Park this Saturday with the visit of Worcester Warriors (3pm).

Without a win in the top flight this season, the Warriors are hoping the recent enforced European break has allowed them to address early season woes and hopefully get their campaign back on track.

The Chiefs, though, are hoping to prolong their agony a little longer and buoyed by their own impressive exploits in the Heineken Cup, Baxter wants his troops to maintain top form in the pursuit of vital league points.

"Everyone's very aware the challenges of playing a team that's fighting away are huge," said Baxter. "That's why I'm so determined to make sure the most important thing we do is not get too carried away or focused on what happened in the Heineken Cup, as far as I'm concerned that's done now.

"We have to flick that mental switch now because we know it's going to be a very important game for Worcester, but it's also a very important game for us. Nothing else but 100 per cent concentration and focus will do in the Premiership. We'll be looking to ram that home to the players."

In their last Premiership outing, the Chiefs produced an excellent display in disposing of Gloucester 29-12 on their own Kingsholm turf and that Baxter believes is the standard which his players must continue to replicate moving forward.

"Teams that claim to be ambitious and want to be involved in big games at the end of the season are good at this stage of the season," added the Chiefs' coach. "Coming out of the Heineken Cup they're tough and they make sure they get the results they need to keep the season alive.

"I want our players to be excited about every game they play because of how ambitious they are and where they want to go. I would be disappointed if a Premiership game at Sandy Park is not exciting for our players. Sometimes you have to re-focus on that. This is a Premiership game at Sandy Park, in front of our supporters, who are fantastic for us. We're in the Premiership – let's relish every moment."