Chiefs side to face Sale Sharks
By Mark Stevens
10/2/23
Ricky Pellow has challenged his Exeter Chiefs side to go out and ‘create memories’ when they tackle Sale Sharks in Sunday’s Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final at Sandy Park (1pm).
After victories over Bristol Bears, Bath and Gloucester, the Chiefs know they are just one game away from booking their place in the first major final of the season.
In a competition which has served the Devon club well over the years, including victories in both 2014 and 2018, hopes are high within the home ranks that they can once again prevail and secure more silverware in the club’s trophy cabinet.
Standing in their way, however, will be a Sharks outfit who, despite losing at Bristol last weekend, have shown already this season that they are a force to be reckoned with in all competitions.
“You only have to look at the early games in the group stages, they were probably one of the form sides,” warned Pellow. “They went to Bristol last week knowing they had to get a bonus point win and turn round 28 points to get a home semi-final, but that’s credit to us in some ways because we put pressure on them to do that. When you have a situation like that, your mindset will change on how you attack the game, but that’s gone now and we’re expecting a tough test this weekend.”
Indeed, Pellow’s main focus is on his own young side who have gone about their own business in fine fashion so far in the competition.
“The guys have worked exceptionally hard to get this home semi-final and play in front of what should be a big home crowd,” added Pellow. “As coaches, as players, we’re all massively excited for the weekend and I can’t wait to see us go out there and put in what should be another big performance.”
Having overseen the Chiefs in this competition for a number of years, Cornishman Pellow appreciates better than anyone how the club can benefit from blooding up-and-coming youngsters in senior battle.
“It’s hugely important,” said Pellow. “As a club, we’ve always used this competition as part of our development pathway for young players. Giving them that opportunity and that chance to pull on an Exeter Chiefs jersey at senior level is huge for them. Even this week, we had long discussions about selection and whether or not to bring in senior players, but I think a lot of these players have earned that right to be in a semi-final.
“We’ve got some very exciting young players at the club and together with that sprinkling of senior players, it makes for a really good blend going into this weekend’s game.”
Chiefs' supporters have already seen a glimpse into the future with the emergence of a number of the club’s outstanding young guns in the earlier stages of the competition and Pellow feels more exposure at this level will only aid their long-term development.
“When you look at things, we’re very much alive in three competitions,” added Pellow. “For all of us, that’s massively exciting and it offers us a great chance to create memories. People are aware we’re losing some special guys at the end of this season, but we’ve also got a special group who are staying and who want to move the club forward. For a lot of them, this is their first real opportunity to get into a final and get that chance of winning some silverware.”
Team news for the Chiefs sees Jack Innard skipper the side from hooker, whilst behind him there is a first-ever Exeter outing for newcomer Mike Williams in the second-row. In the back division, Tom Cairns and Iwan Jenkins form a talented half-back pairing, whilst experience in behind comes from the likes of Tom Hendrickson, Sean O’Brien and Rory O’Loughlin.
Tickets for Sunday’s game start from £1 for Under-16s and £10 for adults. These are still available by CLICKING HERE
