Nowell relishing Sarries showdown
By Mark Stevens
30/12/22
Jack Nowell is looking to round off 2022 in style by helping Exeter Chiefs to victory in their Gallagher Premiership clash with Saracens.
The England and British Lions star will form part of Rob Baxter’s Chiefs match-day squad for what promises to be a mouth-watering encounter at the StoneX Stadium on Saturday (3pm).
The Chiefs head to the capital in good form, having won their last five in all competitions, but Cornishman Nowell knows the hosts will pose a formidable threat, particularly as they look to bounce back from their first defeat in ten Premiership starts this season.
“It’s a big one,” said Nowell this week. “There is a lot of history between the two teams over the years, so it’ll be a good test for us. As players, though, these are the games you want to be involved in and we’re looking forward to it.
“As a team, we’re on a bit of a roll at the minute, but we want to carry it on. We’ve won five on the bounce, but although we’ve won those games, we’ve not always been happy with our performance. That’s weird to say, I know, but we want to keep moving forward and there is no bigger test than Sarries away.”
With the exception of Sarries who have dominated the first half of the season, the remainder of the top-flight remains tight and Nowell says it’s vital he and his fellow Chiefs look to kick on in 2023.
“We’ve pushed on in Europe and we’re in a good position, but now we want to do similar in the Premiership,” he added. “We let ourselves down a little last season, so we need to start climbing that table. Everyone is capable of beating everyone, so it’s vital we collect points.”
Nowell will line-up in a Chiefs side that shows three changes to its starting line-up from that which defeated Bath 20-15 on Christmas Eve. All of them come in the pack where Ruben van Heerden, Santiago Grondona and Greg Fisilau all start the game.
Injuries and illness within the camp has hindered Baxter’s selections plans ahead of the game, but Nowell says the Chiefs must crack on regardless.
“There’s a bit of lurgy around the place and one or two others are struggling with knocks,” he said. “But you saw with the Bath game, boys are willing to push on through and we got our rewards for that.”
After the Saracens game, the Chiefs will then brace themselves for four home games in five weeks, including Premiership clashes with Northampton Saints, Gloucester and Sale Sharks, as well as Heineken Champions Cup date with Castres.