'The heat is on' says Ewers

By Mike Smith
10/10/19

Dave Ewers says he and his Exeter Chiefs team-mates will need to come out ‘all guns blazing’ when they face rivals Bristol Bears in Saturday’s Premiership Rugby Cup encounter at Sandy Park (3pm).

The Chiefs head into the final round of qualification knowing a bonus point victory over their nearest and dearest will ensure they advance into February’s semi-finals.

Victories over Bath and Worcester Warriors have sandwiched a defeat at Leicester Tigers - and have put the Devon club top of Pool C ahead of this weekend’s ‘Derby Day’.

Back-row forward Ewers got his first outing since June in last week’s 34-19 win against the Warriors at Sixways - and he is expected to get another run-out against the Bears in what is a final dress rehearsal for the Chiefs ahead of the new Gallagher Premiership season, which kicks-off on Saturday week with the visit of Harlequins.

Like the Chiefs, Bristol harbour their own hopes of advancing into the last four of the competition. However, nothing less than a five-point haul will be enough for Pat Lam’s side, who even then will have to hope results elsewhere go there way.

“With both of us needing a win and it being a local derby, it’s all to play for,” said Ewers. “We need to come out all guns blazing from the off, because it will put us in good stead before the start of the Premiership.”

Certainly, Rob Baxter’s side will take heart from their win against the Warriors. A powerful second half showing in the Midlands saw them hit their counterparts with 24 unanswered points and enabled them to head hope with the bonus point win, courtesy of Matt Kvesic’s last-gasp try.

“It was a tough game,” added Ewers. “For a few of us it was our first game of the season, so it took us a little while to get going. The boys, though, turned it round in the second half. Those who came off the bench made a big difference and in the end we managed to break them down.

“It took a while, especially as their defence was tough to break down and they weren’t giving much away in terms of penalties. They were really well disciplined and with our mistakes on top of that, it made it tough for us at times. Fortunately, we managed to string a few phases together at the end and we were able to get over the line.”

Before the run-out at Worcester, Ewers’ last competitive fixture was that of the Premiership Final against Saracens at Twickenham in early June. He was one of 14 changes Baxter had made from the previous week at Welford Road and it was understandable that their was a bit of rustiness within the Chiefs ranks.

“I had to blow the cobwebs off a little bit,” joked Ewers. “I felt a bit rusty at first, but hopefully we’re back in the swings of now and we can have another big year. This year is a bit of a change what with the World Cup and pre-season being that bit longer, but I think we’re all looking forward to the season ahead.”

With Baxter having bolstered options within his squad with a number of new arrivals, including South African duo Jannes Kirsten and Jacques Vermeulen, plus locks Stan South, Tom Price and Will Witty, Ewers knows the battle for a place in the match-day 23 is sure to be intense.

“There is massive competition within the squad and all the boys are gunning for places,” he warned. “We’ve got new guys who have come in, plus we have guys coming from long-term injuries as well, so there’s definitely competition for places. All the boys know that if they are training well, then they have a chance of getting picked.

“It’s important for all of us to have that competition. As soon as someone feels comfortable in their spot, that’s when performances can drop off. Knowing that you have to be at your best is motivating everyone. We’ve seen already the new boys have come in and put in some strong performances, so the heat is really on.”