Cordero's joy at first try
By Mark Stevens
11/9/18
Santiago Cordero has spoken of his delight after finally breaking his scoring duck for the Exeter Chiefs in last weekend’s Gallagher Premiership victory against Wasps.
The Argentinian flyer grabbed the first of Exeter’s six tries on the day, finishing off a slick Chiefs attacking move by finishing powerfully in the right corner at the Ricoh Arena.
Having trailed to an early score from England star Elliot Daly, it was Cordero who helped restore parity for Rob Baxter’s side. However, the Chiefs lead proved short-lived as straight from the kick-off the hosts restored their seven-point cushion when Josh Bassett dotted down for the Midlanders.
Again, the Chiefs hit back strongly claiming tries through Sam Simmonds and Henry Slade to take the lead, before a Billy Searle penalty and a converted score from Nathan Hughes on the stroke of half time gave Wasps a slender lead at the break.
On the resumption, the visitors were quickly into their stride and quick-fire tries from Simmonds and Slade again put them in the driving seat only for Wasps to hit back with a bonus point score of their own through Dan Robson.
With little to choose between either side heading into the final quarter, the Chiefs soaked up heavy home pressure before they stung Wasps with the final play of the game, flanker Don Armand powering over from a close-range move to ensure maximum reward for last season’s beaten finalists.
For Cordero - who moved to the Chiefs in January from Super Rugby side Jaguares - it was the perfect day all round for the talented 24-year-old winger.
“I’ve been looking for that try for a while,” he said at the final whistle. “Finally, I’ve got it, I’m very happy. Today was a good win for us against a very tough side, but now we have to keep on working and think about our next game.”
Next up for the Chiefs is Saturday’s visit of Sale Sharks to Sandy Park (3pm) where Cordero and his team-mates will be looking to maintain their perfect start to the season, which has seen them defeat both Wasps and Leicester Tigers on the opening day.
“That will be another tough game for us,” warned Cordero. “Every game here is tough, especially for me as I am so tiny! We’ve had an amazing start to the season, all the boys have been working very hard, but we know we have to keep working hard for one another.
“Having been here last season, I now know how things work and how we are trying to play. For me, I just try to fight for my spot in the team and give my best for the team.”
And based on his opening two performances, Cordero is certainly living up to his pledge having produced two stellar showings for the Chiefs.