Horstmann salutes Cup victory

 

By Mark Stevens

Kai Horstmann says hard work put in on the training field paid dividends as Exeter Chiefs secured an impressive 28-19 victory over Northampton Saints in their final LV- Cup game of the season at Sandy Park.

Having seen a plethora of chances go begging the week previous at Bath, there were no such troubles for Rob Baxter's side at the weekend as they swept aside the East Midlanders with a powerful display.

First half tries from Ben White, Jack Nowell and newcomer Watisoni Votu helped pave the way for Exeter's first win since December 15 - and gave the Chiefs the perfect boost ahead of their return to Aviva Premiership action this Friday at Sale Sharks (7.45pm).

And for Horstmann not only was it a much-needed return to winning ways, but also a memorable home debut for the former Worcester Warriors forward who himself has only just returned to full fitness following a hamstring injury.

"I'm made up really," said Horstmann, who was also captain of the Chiefs for a second successive game. "All week we talked about intensity, energy and commitment and I thought the boys brought it all. We kept turning up for our carries, turning up for our collisions and it paid off.

"At Bath the previous week we got ourselves in some great positions, but we couldn't finish those chances off. Addressing that facet of our game and being more clinical was a big focus for us in training this week and today we showed we had moved on by scoring those tries."

Now Horstmann and the Chiefs will be hoping to show a similar attacking edge when they travel to the Salford City Stadium to face the lowly Sharks in top flight action.

"It was about getting the win, especially at home, and it will give us momentum to take into the Sale game," explained Horstmann. "We've had a short break from the Premiership, but I know everyone is itching and excited to get back into it again."
And with plenty of options at his disposal, head coach Baxter will have plenty to ponder in terms of selection after some notable displays in recent weeks from his squad.

"Rob has given us all opportunities to go out and impress," added Horstmann. "I am sure there are lots of names in the hat in terms of selection, but I think with the performances we've put in over the last couple of weeks there is now really good competition within the squad."

Among those hoping to be in the mix for Friday night is Fijian flyer Votu, who capped his home debut by scoring Exeter's third try against the visiting Saints.

Votu has certainly impressed many since his arrival in Devon and Horstmann is already a big fan of the speedy winger, adding: "You're heart skips a beat when he gets the ball. I was pretty much corner-flagging every time he had the ball because you know he is going to beat those first few tackles. He's a great talent."

For Votu and Horstmann, Saturday's encounter with the Saints marked their first competitive starts at Sandy Park and the experienced back-row forward is keen to sample the big-match atmosphere more over the coming weeks.

"I loved it, the crowd were unbelievable," said Horstmann. "The atmosphere here is exciting and it's great to be part of it all. Sandy Park is a great place to play and I know it's a cliché, but the support really are the 16th man for us."