Chiefs in great shape - Steenson

By Mark Stevens
11/2/17

Exeter skipper Gareth Steenson believes the Chiefs are in great shape ahead of tomorrow’s crunch Aviva Premiership encounter with Wasps at Sandy Park (1pm).

Returning to top flight action for the first time in a month, Devon’s finest have used recent cup exploits to not only keep the entire playing squad ticking over in terms of game time, but also hone their skills for a return to the cut and thrust of league action.

After a profitable Christmas and New Year period, which brought them 11 points from a possible 15 against rivals Leicester Tigers, Bath and Saracens, table-topping Wasps are next on the agenda for Rob Baxter’s side as they look to further enhance their claims for a place in the top four.

With a capacity crowd expected for the contest, Steenson cannot wait to lead his side into battle in what should be a mouth-watering match-up between two of the division’s leading lights.

“I think everyone is excited about the game and it will be great to be back at Sandy Park,” said the Irishman. “Aside from the result in Clermont, the last four weeks have been very good for us. Everyone has been able to have a run out, we’ve refreshed a few bodies that needed a rest, and we’ve picked up some very good results along the way.

“Wasps here, though, should be another cracking encounter. They are top of the table and we know whenever we play them, it’s always a great occasion.”

Having faced the Midlanders more than any other club over the past two seasons, it’s fair to say that neither side needs too much reminding of the threat posed in opposition ranks.

“We know they will come and play,” added Steenson. “Even though they are missing one or two guys, we know they have multiple threats. They have strike runners across their team, a dangerous back three who can really hurt you, and plenty of quality ball carriers as well.

“That said, we don’t want to focus all our thoughts on them. First and foremost we have to make sure we get our act in order and keep things simple. We’ve talked all week about what we want to do, we’ve put a game plan in place, now we have to hammer it home because that gives us the best chance of winning.”

Certainly the Chiefs have been one of the division’s in-form teams of late and Steenson believes lessons have been learnt since the two sides last met on the opening day of the season. On that occasion, Wasps produced a sterling second half fightback to overcome a 17-8 half time deficit to go on and win the game 25-20.

“That result was hugely frustrating because we were in control of the game for large parts,” said the Exeter fly-half. “In the end, we allowed the game to get away from us and to lose the lead like we did was very disappointing.”

Hopefully, a repeat showing does not occur this weekend, where the Chiefs will not only be looking to return to third place, but at the same close the gap between them and Wasps - who have never won a competitive fixture at Sandy Park - at the summit.