Chiefs learn plenty in defeat - TJ

By Mark Stevens

Tom Johnson believes the Exeter Chiefs youngsters will have learnt plenty from their recent exploits in the LV= Cup.

The defending champions saw their hopes of a home semi-final dashed following Sunday’s 35-18 loss at Saracens - and instead must now ready themselves for next month’s last four showdown with Leicester Tigers on Sunday, March 15 (1pm).

In a spirited display at Allianz Park, the Chiefs let a second half advantage slip by the wayside as Saracens stormed back in the final quarter to book their own semi-final spot against Northampton Saints.

Although disappointed with the final scoreline, Johnson insisted post-match that there were positives for the Devon club to take from the game and that the clutch of young Exeter players in the squad would have learnt plenty.

“We had a cracking start to the second half and got ourselves in front, but then Saracens upped the ante a little bit and that’s when we began to struggle,” said the back-row ace.

“Ideally we probably should have got another score when we were up, but we started to give away some silly penalties and slipped off a few tackles and that allowed them to claw their way back in.

“We knew beforehand that Saracens are a quality side and towards the end they kept squeezing us and got their big runners into the game. If we’re honest, we can’t have too manny complaints, but I thought our boys put in a good shift.”

As has been the case for the Chiefs in recent years, head coach Rob Baxter has used the competition to help develop some of the club’s Academy starlets.

This season has been no exception with the likes of Sam Simmonds, Sam Skinner, Max Bodilly (pictured) and Ed Holmes all getting their chance to impress.

Johnson admitted clashes likes that of Sunday - and that of Leicester in the semi-finals - are crucial in helping to blood the futures of the club’s young players.

“Coming here is never easy and it’ll be the same going to Leicester in the next round,” added Johnson, who was back to his best with an all-action display in the Chiefs back-row.

“Again we’ve put out a young side, who have not played a huge amount together, but they did very well for long periods and I am sure they would have learnt a lot from today.

“It won’t get any easier in the semi-finals, Leicester Tigers at Welford Road is probably as tough as it gets, but we’ll look forward to the challenge and crack on as normal.”

Before a return to the LV= Cup, the Chiefs will focus their thoughts firmly on their return to Aviva Premiership action which, this Saturday, sees them play host to Newcastle Falcons at Sandy Park (4:30pm)

Johnson has watched from afar this season at the marked improvement in style and results from the North East club - and he has warned that the Chiefs will need to be on top of their game if they are to overcome Dean Richards’ men.

“They are one of the most improved sides in the division this season,” warned Johnson. “Dean Richards has got them playing a really good brand of rugby and they attack a lot more than previous years, so it will be a real stern test for us.”