Kirsten wary of Sharks threat

By Mark Stevens
8/12/19

Jannes Kirsten says Exeter Chiefs need no reminding of the physical threat posed by Sale Sharks ahead of today’s Heineken Champions Cup encounter at the AJ Bell Stadium (3:15pm).

South African Kirsten will tackle Steve Diamond’s side for the first time in his career, but he insists he’s already been given a detailed insight into what to expect from the Salford-based club.

The Chiefs have produced the perfect start to their Pool Two exploits this season, claiming bonus point victories over La Rochelle (away) and Glasgow Warriors (home). However, it’s the Sharks who will pose the next two hurdles for Rob Baxter’s side in their latest European campaign.

“We’ve had a good start with the first two games,” said Kirsten. “Sale, on the other hand, have been a bit up and down, but we know they have a good pack of forwards and that they will be physical. All week we’ve talked about how we are going to have to front up and that the set-piece battle will be a real challenge.

“We’ve done our research and we know where they will be strong. The guys have give me a bit of lip for only mentioning the South African guys in the analysis, but I know a few of their guys having played against them before, and I know what they are capable of.

“We are, though, in good place and we’re coming into the game on the back of some very good performances recently.”

Indeed, the two European successes have been followed up by an equally impressive home win over Wasps, who were dispatched 38-3 at Sandy Park just over a week ago.

“After the Bristol game at home, we were all very disappointed,” added Kirsten. “We felt we had that game, but we let it slip. Going into Europe, it was the start of a new competition and, thankfully, the boys nailed it from the first game.”

Although in pole position heading into Round Three, Kirsten - a summer signing from the Bulls - says the Chiefs can ill afford to take their foot off the gas.

“It’s a cliche, but we just take it week by week,” he continued. “The sole aim this week is to win. If we can get three from three, it will put us in a good place to try and reach those knockout phases.”

Certainly, European progression is a key driver for the Chiefs this season and Kirsten, along with compatriot and fellow newcomer Jacques Vermeulen, aim to play their part in achieving that goal.

“We’re really enjoying Exeter,” said Kirsten. “Since the day I arrived, I’ve been made to feel at home. The boys are a great bunch and we’re friends on and off the field. As a group we’ve got the chance to achieve a lot this season, so hopefully we can do that, starting with a victory this weekend.”