Horstmann tips duo for the top

Kai Horstmann knows all about the strength in depth Exeter Chiefs possess in the back row and he's tipping two of his colleagues to make their mark with England in the near future.

No. 8 Horstmann has made just two Aviva Premiership appearances so far this season with 22-year-old Dave Ewers impressing for the most part in his position of choice.

Indeed, Zimbabwe-born Horstmann believes his compatriot - who grew up in Harare - has the ability to break into Stuart Lancaster's Red Rose set-up sooner rather than later.

If he does he will potentially join flanker Tom Johnson (pictured below) who has been called up for the autumn internationals against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.

But Horstmann insists it's high time the array of talent down at Sandy Park was recognised.

"I think it's only a matter of time before more players from Exeter get a call-up, not that long at all really," he said."We have a couple of back-row options, and Tom Johnson has been playing exceptionally well this season for us.

"Across the board we have a few players who deserve recognition, but Tom is a good guy who I get on with very well. I think someone like Dave Ewers has been outstanding for us in the first block of games, and he is one that could also get a chance."

The Chiefs return to Aviva Premiership action this Saturday against Horstmann's old club Worcester Warriors, keen to maintain their bright start to the season which has brought three wins in five games.

However, Horstmann is also eager to get the 20-16 defeat to Glasgow in the Heineken Cup out of their system.

"We went there and gave everything, and we were frustrated not to come away with more, we were a little bit disappointed," he added. "We have played some good stuff over the past two weeks, but if you look at the table after just two games it's always dangerous, it's still very early.

"It's back to Premiership action this weekend but again, while we've made a positive start, we don't read too much into it, it's about the next game. Obviously it's always interesting going back to Worcester, I was there a long time but it's important not to get over-focused on it.

"I have very fond memories from my time there, and still have good friends who I stay in touch with, it's a place very close to my heart."