Moon poised for Euro exploits

 

Exeter prop Ben Moon is convinced the Chiefs belong at Europe's top table - and he's determined to prove it as Rob Baxter's side prepare for a second assault on the Heineken Cup.

After a difficult start to their Aviva Premiership campaign and a heavy defeat to Northampton Saints, Exeter are turning heads once again and begin their continental quest on the back of a thumping win away to Gloucester Rugby.

A fine finish to last season saw the Chiefs defy expectations again and secure a Heineken Cup spot once more, having performed admirably in their debut campaign in the competition, beating the Scarlets twice and running Leinster close both home and away.

And having put a disappointing home defeat to Leicester Tigers behind them, Exeter are ready to prove themselves in Europe once again, according to Moon, starting with Cardiff Blues this weekend.

"We're not there to make up the numbers at all, we're ready for another crack at Europe," said Moon. "Last year was our first season in the Heineken Cup and I think we had some terrific performances and proved a few people wrong. But we also feel like we've learned a lot of lessons from that campaign and we're ready to improve and show that we won't make the same mistakes again.

"We will go into every match looking to win it and we want to get through our group and go as far as we possibly can in the competition.

"Cardiff Blues will be a massive test for us. They are going to come flying at us with everything they've got and we have to be ready for that. But we've got some momentum after the Gloucester game. It's extremely satisfying to win there because it's a bit of a local rivalry and it's an intimidating place to play.

"We weren't happy with how things went against Leicester but we feel like we've put that right and we're back into the kind of groove we were in at the end of last season."

So far this season, Moon has played more of an impact role, coming off the bench in all five of the Chiefs' Aviva Premiership matches hitherto.

Indeed, of Moon's 49 Aviva Premiership appearances, 42 have come from the replacements bench, but he's happy to make an impact wherever possible.

"I've been pleased with my contributions so far this season, it's always good to come on and try and make an impact and I think against Gloucester I did that," Moon added. "I just want to get as much game time as I can under my belt and do what I can for the Exeter cause as we move into European action."