Focus is key for Chiefs - Steeno

Exeter Chiefs fly-half Gareth Steenson hopes their ability to stay focused helps them earn a first-ever Aviva Premiership victory over Bath today (3.15pm).

The Devon club are chasing their first win over their Westcountry rivals since 1978, but Steenson says neither that statistic, nor the tricky conditions at Sandy Park, will affect their chances this afternoon.

Steenson said: “It has been a tough week but a good week and we have got ourselves ready for what will be a big fixture on Saturday.”

The Exeter playmaker defied the elements last weekend to kick three first-half penalties and a second-half conversion in Chiefs’ 17-16 loss against Northampton Saints.

The Irishman believes a laser-like focus on his own form was the key to his success rate.

He said: “If you start focusing on the conditions then you’re in trouble. I just try to look purely at my technique and if I get a good strike on the ball it will hopefully go in the right area.”

A similar level of concentration will be required from all Chiefs’ players if they are to overcome third-placed Bath on Saturday.

“Bath are having a terrific season and it is a big fixture for us and it would be nice to finally get a result over them,” said Steenson.

“We are a little bit disappointed by the way it ended against Northampton but we’re confident and feel like we’re playing good rugby. We just need to get a couple of things right and we feel like the results will come.

“We just haven’t got the result against Bath yet. The last time we played them in the Premiership, at home especially, we lost with a penalty try against us in the last minute.

“The result is there for us, we have just come up short in the last couple of minutes. It is not something to really focus on for us as players.

“Supporters maybe see a bit more into it but for us it is just about going out there and putting in a good performance and getting the result.”

Chiefs will be without England wing Jack Nowell this weekend, but Steenson says the competition for places in all positions at the club will ensure his absence is not too keenly felt.

“Right across the side, we have got players who can cover when guys like Jack Nowell and Tom Johnson are away playing for England,” said Steenson.

“At fly-half, it is not just Henry Slade, it is Ceri Sweeney as well. Henry is obviously developing really well. He has definitely got a lot of talent and we are very fortunate having Ceri here with his experience helping us through as well. The competition for places here is definitely very good.”