Scaysbrook wary of French threat

Flanker James Scaysbrook has warned his Exeter Chiefs team-mates to expect a backlash from La Rochelle this Saturday (3pm).

The Chiefs beat the French outfit 36-10 away from home last Thursday, keeping them top of their European Challenge Cup pool.

With the return match at Sandy Park on Saturday, Scaysbrook knows the Frenchmen will come looking to restore pride.

And the 32-year-old, who is now helping Plymouth Albion as defence coach, expects a tough assignment before they return to league action the following week.

Scaysbrook said: “Any game over in France is difficult and to get that win was massive, it has really put us in a good position in the group to push forward.

"You would think they would come out here looking to fire on all cylinders and prove a bit of a point. French teams don’t like to lose at home and we should get ready for a bit of a backlash.”

The win against La Rochelle was only Exeter’s second in seven games in France.

Scaysbrook, who made just his third appearance of the season in the clash, thinks the success shows how far the Chiefs have come this season.

“Over the years we’ve come close and been nearly there (in France) but it shows that the club are progressing and perhaps making those little strides that you need to make to win the big games away,” he said.

The victory was also Exeter’s seventh in a row, creating an air of confidence in the squad which means players can slot straight in when called up.

Scaysbrook added: “When you get into any kind of habit, whether it’s winning or losing, you tend to find a way to do it and at the minute we’re going well. The way things are going, everybody slots in and out very well and hopefully when there are changes you don’t notice too much of a difference.”