Mumm relishing European battle

Dean Mumm was soaking up the sunshine at Sandy Park as Exeter Chiefs turned their attentions to Saturday's European Rugby Challenge Cup semi-final against Gloucester Rugby and just hoping the heatwave will continue through to the weekend.

"With weather like this, harder grounds, which suit both our styles of play, and a fantastic venue like Kinghsolm to play at, what more could you ask for as a player when you are coming into a big game," said Mumm.

The Australian second row may be heading home to play for the Waratahs at the end of the season, but he has a few big assignments before then and doesn't want to leave his Westcountry team-mates without having led them in an historic charge for two major titles.

The Chiefs have already been pipped at the post in the LV= Cup final by Saracens, but are not only in the Challenge Cup semi-finals this weekend, but also very much in the mix or an Aviva Premiership play-off place after their big win over reigning champions Northampton Saints last weekend.

It promises to be a busy final month for Mumm at the club he has taken to his heart, but he is quick to point out that where they are now is only down to the hard work that has been put in over the previous eight months.

"It's really exciting that we've put ourselves in this position to play in such big games. I'm not surprised we are here because I have always believed we are a team capable of doing special things," said Mumm.

"What the fans see every weekend is a result of all the hard work that the players put in day in, day out. That what I get to see every single day and why I know that if we play to our potential we are capable of getting some big results. But anything less than our best means everything becomes than bit harder. That's why we plan well and focus on the things that we do well.

"I'd love to be in a team that wins competitions and with this team it is all about doing things we haven't done before. We will tick one box this weekend by playing in our first European semi-final, but we want more than that.

"Mental preparation is massive for us and is a huge element in our preparation. The cultural aspect of any team drives you on beyond the physical performance and the way we approach all our games is vitally important.

"It's about the small details, such as how we take the field and how we play in the first 15 minutes. They all play a part in the outcome. Rob Baxter doesn't get overawed by a loss of any magnitude, or if we have a brilliant victory - he has a nice measured approach to everything."

The Chiefs have already been to Kingsholm and won this season in the Premiership, but they were beaten at home by Gloucester. The cherry and whites haven't had much to shout about this season other than their European run, which has seen them remain unbeaten in seven games to date.

Back in 2006 they remained unbeaten in all nine games as they beat London Irish in extra-time to win the Challenge Cup at the Twickenham Stoop. This year's final is at the same venue.

"Gloucester have a lot of things going for them. It is a home semi-final in a tournament in which they are unbeaten this season - and there is a place in a major European final at stake. I don't think they will need any more motivation than that to take into the game," add Mumm.

"I know there is a place in the Champions Cup up for grabs if they can win the Challenge Cup, but I don't think that will come into their minds. They have a lot of players who have played in a number of big games before and who won't be overawed in any way by the occasion."