Chiefs side to face Bristol Bears
By Mark Stevens
19/5/23
Susie Appleby insists her Exeter Chiefs side are ‘raring to go’ as they bid to return to winning ways in the Allianz Premier 15s tomorrow at near neighbours Bristol Bears (1pm).
In what should be another mouth-watering encounter between two of the division’s top sides, the Chiefs will be aiming to make it a hat-trick of wins against their nearest and dearest, having already defeated them 41-0 in the reverse fixture, as well as 33-12 last month in the semi-finals of the Allianz Cup.
However, Appleby knows the hungry Bears will be formidable foes this weekend, particularly as they themselves are chasing one of the two remaining play-off places on offer.
“They are one of our biggest rivals,” she warned. “They are fighting to get into the play-offs, much the same as we were this time last year, so they’ll be coming at us with everything. We have the luxury of knowing we’re already in the play-offs, but we want to be at Sandy Park in those semi-finals, so it’s imperative we build that momentum again and get the points we need.”
Last weekend’s 29-22 loss at defending champions Saracens was only a second slip-up of the season for Appleby’s side. However, the two losing bonus points they secured could yet prove invaluable in the final shake-up.
“It’s a six-day turnaround for us and we’ve got a few battered bodies,” added Appleby. “Going to Saracens is an alwayshuge challenge because they are a good side. Although disappointed to lose the game, we were pleased to come away with two points, just because every point counts from here on in.
“It wasn’t a great performance, we acknowledged that as both coaches and players, but equally I thought we did well to deal with some of the things that were thrown at us. Losing Nic [Fryday] in the warm-up, then Ebony [Jefferies] early in the game, I thought we adapted well in the end. Now, we have to regroup and go again!”
Standing in the way of the Chiefs tomorrow will be a Bears side who not only have plenty of big-name experience within their ranks, but who also have a game plan which, both Appleby and assistant Steve Salvin admit, is among the best in the division.
“They have a very powerful forward game, especially with the likes of Sarah Berne and Lark Davies. Equally, they have a very accomplished back line with some very skilful players, so it’s easy to see why they are one of the best teams in the league. That said, our girls are excited for the weekend and I know they are raring to go, so we’re hoping for a good game.”
A two-game suspension for Hope Rogers means the American international misses out in the front-row this weekend, she will be replaced by Italian international Silvia Turani, who plays her first game since injuring herself in the Six Nations Championship.
Other changes in personnel for the visitors see Abbie Fleming come into the pack in place of Linde van der Velden, while Nancy McGillivray gets the nod in the centre ahead of Gabby Cantorna, who drops to the bench.
“When you look at those three players, they are all very energetic and very powerful players,” added Appleby. “Abbie comes back into the side on the back of what was a very successful Six Nations for her; Nancy has been playing exceptionally well, while Silvia is fresh and raring to go after her injury, so her being back is perfect timing with Hope missing out these next two weeks.”
Supporters unable to attend tomorrow’s game at Shaftesbury Park can follow the action live on the Premier 15s website stream or through the club’s official social media channels.
