Happy Campo targeting Clermont

By Mark Stevens
17/1/17

Italian international Michele Campagnaro says confidence is high within the Exeter Chiefs camp ahead of Saturday's European Champions Cup trip to ASM Clermont Auvergne.

After a disappointing start to their Pool 5 campaign, Rob Baxter's side have bounced back in their last two fixtures, recording a win at Bordeaux-Begles last month, before seeing off Ulster 31-19 at Sandy Park last Sunday.

Those two victories have been part of a stunning run of form from the Chiefs, which has seen them lose only once in their last nine games, and has helped to lift them from the foot of their European table to that of second and in with a potential shout of qualification for the last eight.

For the Devonians to stand any chance of reaching the quarter-finals for a second successive year, not only do they need to record a maximum haul at the Stade Marcel Michelin this weekend, but they also have to bank on results elsewhere going their way.

It's a tall order, particularly given the strength of Clermont on their own patch, but as last season showed - when the Chiefs won through to the quarter-finals on the final day - stranger things have happened.

Now, Campagnaro - who scored a brace of tries in the Ulster victory - is hoping he and his team-mates can continue their good form with another big display against their French rivals.

"We were very pleased with the performance [against Ulster]," said the 23-year-old back. "We did really well and hopefully we can do really well again next week."

Having withstood an early charge from Ulster, the Chiefs slowly worked their way into the contest, eventually pulling clear during a powerful second half charge.

"We knew they would come at us," he added. "When we played them earlier in the season it was a tight game and we knew the team that pushed through in the last 20 minutes would be the team that would win. Thankfully, we did that and we got the result, so we're very happy."

Sunday's success meant the Chiefs ended their European home campaign on a high note - and the perfect remedy to earlier defeats against both Clermont and Bordeaux.

"Everyone knows the beginning of the season was tough for us, but we've got better and better recently and that's a good thing," said Campagnaro, who is sure to be part of the Azzurri's plans for the upcoming RBS Six Nations Championship, which begins on February 5 against Wales.

"We are playing well, we are creating opportunities and getting results. Everyone is happy.

"Clermont, though, will be a tough match for us. They are a strong side, especially at home, but hopefully we can continue to play like we have been. For me, it's great to be part of this team as we play good rugby and we are creating lots of opportunities."