Stakes are high in Europe, insists Kvesic
By Mark Stevens
10/12/17
Matt Kvesic says it’s only right that the “stakes are high” will be high when Exeter Chiefs play host to rivals Leinster in today’s European Champions Cup clash at Sandy Park (5:30pm).
In what is the opening leg of the double-header between the two clubs, the Chiefs will be aiming to strike early and deliver a telling blow against the Irish province, who arrive in Devon top of Pool 3 having secured bonus point wins over Montpellier and Glasgow Warriors in the opening two rounds.
Like Leinster, though, the Chiefs have also picked off the same rivals, albeit without the bonus points, and have produced easily their best start to a Champions Cup campaign. Now, Rob Baxter’s side will be looking to build on that early foundation by downing the three-time champions over this next fortnight.
Quite rightly, there is great excitement and great confidence within the Chiefs camp, particularly given the form of the reigning English champions who head into today’s tussle eight points clear at the top of the Premiership, having recorded notable victories over Harlequins, Saracens and Bath in recent weeks.
League form and league standings, however, will be put to bed until Christmas and it’s this latest European block that will occupy the thoughts and minds of the Chiefs, including England international Kvesic.
Having had to bide his time to break into the starting ranks at Sandy Park following his summer move from Gloucester, the 25-year-old has in recent weeks underlined the qualities Baxter knew were within his game, producing some eye-catching displays in the number seven jersey.
“It’s was always going to be tough coming into a club that has just won the Premiership,” explained Kvesic. “They have a settled team, not much has changed from last year, so I knew I would have to be patient, train well and then perform when I did get my chance.
“What I like about here, however, is that the coaches are always talking to you and you know where you stand. As a player, you can’t ask for any more than that. Thankfully, I’ve been given my opportunity over the last few weeks and things have gone well. Yes, there is still lots to work on, but I feel I’m heading in the right direction.”
This afternoon, the all-action openside will get his chance to shine once more, coming up against British & Irish Lions star Sean O’Brien in the back-row battle.
It promises to be a mouth-watering contest - as do a number of other match-ups across the field - but Kvesic insists he and his team-mates are relishing the fixture and can’t wait to get stuck into their rivals.
“European games don’t come around that often, so you do tend to look forward to them a bit more,” he added. “As it’s the Champions Cup the stakes are obviously higher, but in terms of preparing for the game, we won’t change too much on that front. We’ll focus more on ourselves and what we want to do, rather than what Leinster are going to do.
“We know these next two weeks are important games in terms of trying to move forward in Europe. If we can get a win this weekend, then it will put us in a great position moving forward. Yes, they are a massive two weeks for us, but I wouldn’t say they are season-defining. Right now, we are competing on all fronts and there lots to play for, but for now the focus is on this weekend and nothing else.”