Exeter Chiefs
Cup rugby - what's it all about?
Moorsman
By Moorsman
January 30 2013
This Saturday sees Exeter Chiefs play their final pool match from this season's cup competition and I thought I'd look at what the Chiefs have gained from taking part.
Cup rugby - what's it all about?
Cup competitions are a strange thing and the LV=Cup is one of the strangest where clubs don't play anyone in their pool! This set me thinking about what the Chiefs players and coaches will have gained from taking part.
Exeter Chiefs experienced their first Heineken Cup experience this season and there's been plenty of talk by Rob Baxter about the importance of learning from this. I don't think there is any doubt that our pool which contained Clermont, Leinster and Scarlets was about as tough a test as the Chiefs are likely to get. It's often said that playing the best teams can only improve you but I think this is only true if you can compete, there's not much to be learned of you get smashed by a cricket score. Although the Clermont scoreline might suggest otherwise the Chiefs were competitive in all 6 pool matches winning both home and away against Scarlets and pushing Leinster mighty close in Dublin (what a weekend that was!). There were plenty of chances to learn how the best go about their business and if the Chiefs can take the intensity and adventure they showed in the final game v Leinster into the Premiership we're in for some very entertaining games. On the whole the Heineken experience was great with lot's of positives.
On to the LV=Cup and although it's a totally different experience I think the Chiefs have used it well. For one thing it gives the majority of 'first choice' players a well earned break. It's an opportunity for other squad members to push themselves forward for Prem action and those returning from injury valuable game time. However the biggest plus as far as I'm concerned is the involvement of our Academy players. These guys have really performed and showed the talent we have coming through. This is highlighted by Jack Nowell's elevation to the Premiership and Heineken squads and I don't think it will be long before others are forcing their way in. The LV=Cup has been referred to as the 'Low Value Cup' in some quaters but it's been very useful to the Chiefs.
I really hope we can do enough to get into the Heineken Cup again next season but if not I know Rob and the guys will make the most of the Amlin and LV=Cup.
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30/01/2013 17:49
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A great opportunity for some brilliant Chief's family bonding in some great venues.
The opportunity to meet other like minded equally fervent supporters from near and far.
The chance to see some amazing rugby played by both teams, either home or away, not always the result you'd have liked but brilliant all the same.
The chance to see both young and new players entering the fray and showing their potential and to welcome back those who have been injured.
And to Exeter/Devon and the Club itself?
Well there's the obvious increase in coverage and potential for more sponsorship, the increase in footfall to the local area and the potential for repeat visits to the area itself.
As far as I can see its win-win
Quote:3 wheels on my wagon
And for the supporters??
A great opportunity for some brilliant Chief's family bonding in some great venues.
The opportunity to meet other like minded equally fervent supporters from near and far.
The chance to see some amazing rugby played by both teams, either home or away, not always the result you'd have liked but brilliant all the same.
The chance to see both young and new players entering the fray and showing their potential and to welcome back those who have been injured.
And to Exeter/Devon and the Club itself?
Well there's the obvious increase in coverage and potential for more sponsorship, the increase in footfall to the local area and the potential for repeat visits to the area itself.
As far as I can see its win-win
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