warbonnet

By Moorsman
October 11 2009

This weeks match against London Welsh was like chalk to the cheese of last sunday's win at Bristol. This Championship set up, where only a win in the final few games will count is really changing the approach taken by the Chiefs coaches and squad.

Match Review

Exeter Chiefs 13 London Welsh 9

What a difference a few days and different opposition can make!!  Chiefs fans were still bouncing along on a euphoric wave following last Sunday's win at Bristol.  This came crashing down with a serious reality check in this match, where both defences took centre stage.  Thankfully the Chiefs players were fully focussed on the reality and stepped up to the mark.  It was interesting to listen to Rob Baxter being interviewed by Radio Devon after the match.  He was really pleased with the defensive strength shown and it had clearly been the main area of work during the week.  He expressed concern that we had been letting in 'soft' tries and wanted to sort this out.  Rob also spoke of the amount of analysis done and the need to plan to win against any opposition, particularly when it comes to the closing stages of the season. 

Unfortunately the focus on defence had clearly been exercised by both sides, which led to a sort of stalemate.  This doesn't mean neither side didn't try to attack, because both did.  However they were unable to unlock the respective defensive systems.  The Chiefs single try came after a prolonged period of pressure and showed the effort needed to break the Welsh defence (it probably took all of 5 minutes to do!).

So, I'm having to re-evaluate my expectations of the sort of rugby I'm likely to see in the Chamionship.  Having been used to a more open and free flowing brand of rugby for the last few seasons with 5 points being all important things have really changed.  The mental approach now is on winning either ugly or with style.  The technical side of the game becomes more interesting but the change is likely to challenge some of the club's more recent converts.  In fact games like yesterday's are a real challenge to watch, keeping you on the edge of your seat, nail biting etc.  Don't you just love this sport?.....I do!!

Chalk and Cheese?

Discussion started by thechiefstribe.com (IP Logged), 11/10/2009 10:25

thechiefstribe.com
11/10/2009 10:25

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