Detiveaux targets big tests ahead

By Harry Scott-Munro
7/3/22

USA Eagle Jennine Detiveaux was left beaming after a “beautiful day of rugby” ended with the American finishing with four tries in her side’s 90-7 victory over lowly DMP Sharks in the Allianz Premier 15s.

Compatriot Hope Rogers bagged a double, with further scores from Kate Zackary, Merryn Doidge, Kanako Kobayashi, Lottie Holland, Emily Tuttosi, Linde van der Velden, Gabby Senft and Maisy Allen, as the Chiefs hit 90 points for the first time in their history.

“It was really nice to finish on such a high note heading into the international break,” explained Detiveaux, as she took the time to praise the support from the home crowd.

“It’s so great. The atmosphere here at Sandy Park is unlike any other. I love playing in front of the crowd. All that adrenaline just builds when I’m running, it’s just so special.”

Whilst Detiveaux’s lightning pace and physical presence played a large part in her four tries, she was also quick to praise the efforts of her team-mates to put her into space to score the tries.

“It’s such a great feeling to be able to score that many tries, but I have to credit the team today,” she added. “They did a great job at getting me the ball and creating the space. It was just so much fun out there.”

The Chiefs now head into a rest week, before attention turns to the Allianz Cup, where there is an opportunity for Head Coach Susie Appleby to further test the depth of her squad.

For Detiveaux though, whilst she is looking forward to “more girls coming into the fold” for those cup fixtures, she admits that the run-in against Saracens and Bristol Bears will be crucial for her side’s chances.

“It’s all about recharging and going again into what are probably going to be our two biggest games of the season. Today is a great way to go into the break, but we’ll regroup now and then come back into those league matches with Saracens and Bristol.”