Baxter expects Connacht test

 



By Mark Stevens

Rob Baxter is expecting a “flat-out” performance from his Exeter Chiefs side when they play host to Connacht in Saturday’s European Rugby Challenge Cup encounter at Sandy Park.

Having been undone at the death by Bayonne in last week’s opener 30-24, Devon’s finest are well aware that must get their campaign up and running with a powerful display against the visiting Irishman.

Back-to-back home wins in the Aviva Premiership against Harlequins and London Irish will give Baxter’s side renewed confidence ahead of their latest assignment, but the Chiefs leader is well aware of the threat by a Connacht outfit who last weekend opened their European campaign with a notable 48-12 triumph over La Rochelle.

“Connacht have got away to a flier, they got the points they needed at home,” Baxter said. “For us to keep this group alive a home win is very important so we have to go flat-out to get a win here. That means an away bonus point in France (against Bayonne) means something.

“Our intention will be to try to get those important four points, then this competition is alive for us, just like the Premiership.”

Although Exeter have never met Connacht in a competitive game, they have played them home and away in pre-season in recent years.

Baxter remembers how they were tested in those matches - and has also been impressed with what he has seen of Pat Lam’s side in recent weeks.

They have only lost once this term in the Guinness Pro12, so will travel with a spring in their step as they look to put themselves in a strong position to claim a place in the knock-out stages.

“Looking at Connacht over their last three or four games, they’re playing very well,” said Baxter.“They’ve always been a good challenge for us in pre-season, we’ve had some good games against them and I’m sure this weekend will be the same again.

“They’re a solid side and they look to me like a team enjoying what they’re doing. They certainly had a good result last weekend against La Rochelle, and they’ll be aware if they can back up that performance with an away win they put themselves in charge of the group. It’s an important game for both of us.

“We’ve talked a lot this year about our home form, which so far has been very good. We’ve only lost narrowly against Leicester, so it’s very important to keep ramming it home.”