Johnson Proud of Chiefs fight in tough Bristol win

By Harry Scott-Munro
16/05/22

Flanker Rachel Johnson couldn’t stop beaming as she admitted that she was ‘so proud of the girls.’

On a tight and tense afternoon at Sandy Park, the Chiefs held firm to secure a 29-26 victory over Bristol, to set up a home semi-final against the same opposition next weekend.

The Chiefs scored five tries in all, with Johnson grabbing the crucial final try, after a brace from Jennine Detiveaux and tries from Kate Zackary and Emily Tuttosi.

“We really managed to pull the result out,” Johnson smiled. “Bristol came here to fight and definitely put us under pressure, but that is the sort of prep we want going into the semi-finals. We’ve got the home semi but there’s still work to do this week.”

The driving maul from the Chiefs has been a real weapon in recent weeks, but Bristol made things difficult for Johnson’s side by not competing at the maul. Johnson explained how the Bears tactics had forced her side to think on their feet, with the problem-solving eventually paying dividends.

“I’m really proud of the pack today. Bristol gave us some different pictures to look at, especially at the lineout and had some threatening backs with a lot of speed. For us, we need to get our discipline right and make sure we stick to our process.”

The Chiefs were roared on by a record-breaking crowd inside Sandy Park, with Johnson highlighting just how important their support has been to her side on their journey so far. With co-captain Poppy Leitch urging her side to create history each week, Johnson wants the group to continue building a legacy.

“Poppy has been speaking to us a lot about making history here at Sandy Park. Week in, week out, we’re showing that we’re a real threat and I can’t wait to continue to build the legacy. I’m super proud of the fans. This is our family. I love the Chiefs and I love Exeter. We’re going to do this together.”

Exeter’s squad depth is such that international players are having to miss out on selection each week, but Johnson was quick to highlight just how much of a whole squad effort had gone into the season so far.

“We’re so privileged here. We have such a strong squad and selections have been so tough. It’s a whole squad effort. It’s the staff and the fans as well. We have a full community here in Exeter which is helping us come out on top.”