Ewers targets title push

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By Mark Stevens
2/5/2016

Dave Ewers insists Exeter Chiefs must use Sunday’s victory over play-off rivals Wasps as the springboard for a major push towards the Aviva Premiership title.

Rob Baxter’s side not only moved back into second spot in the current league standings, but remain on course for a potential home semi-final in the play-offs after producing an outstanding 24-3 victory at Sandy Park.

With just a trip to Harlequins left in the scheduled season, the Chiefs know a victory at The Stoop this Saturday will ensure their first-ever outing in the play-offs will be rewarded with home advantage.

Looking to bounce back following defeats to Wasps in the European Champions Cup and then Gloucester in the top flight, Devon’s finest were in scintillating form on home soil, producing a performance - in attack and defence - that had many singing their praises come the final whistle.

Tries from Olly Woodburn, Phil Dollman and Jack Nowell, plus nine further points from the boot of skipper Gareth Steenson, proved sufficient enough reward to sink Wasps, whose solitary reply came courtesy of a penalty from Elliot Daly.

Attack-wise, the Chiefs saw plenty to give them encouragement moving forward, but it was their rock solid defensive showing - led by man of the match Ewers - that all the more impressive.

“Coming into the game we knew it would be a tough ask because they have threats all over the park,” said Ewers. “We knew we had to bring a massive defensive effort today, as well as trying to take it to them in attack.

“It was a massive effort from all of us, but I think the first half really set us up well, particularly we we playing into the wind and we knew we had to keep the pressure on.”

Although Exeter’s play-off berth had already been assured seven days earlier, Ewers admitted it was vital his side showed a response of sorts after recent setbacks.

“It was important we turned the tide," said the 25-year-old forward. "We weren't at our best in the loss at Gloucester, but we have had a good two-week break and hopefully we have turned it around now.”

Next up for the Chiefs is Saturday’s impending trip to Harlequins, who themselves harbour hopes of trying to claim a top six finish, as well as a winning send off for departing Director of Rugby Conor O’Shea.

"It is always a tough game against Quins but hopefully with so much riding on it we can look to get a result there," added Ewers. "As you could see from the crowd today, Sandy Park is an awesome place to play so if we could get a home semi it would be massive for us."