By Worried of Whitton
October 21 2005

After a week’s half term giving a brief spell of rest and recuperation from the rigours of Division One Rugby, NEC Harlequins are back in action at the Stoop, Twickenham where they meet the Exeter Chiefs. October 22nd marks the third home game of the season, with a kick off at 15.00.

Exeter, the cream of Devon rugby, make the journey up the A30 after what has been a mixed start to their season. Three wins and three losses, with just one win on the road. Exeter currently lie in sixth place with just 14 points. Unlike Quins, Exeter have already played both of their West Country rivals and indeed lost to both Plymouth and Cornish Pirates. 

Last year Exeter were one of the three teams chasing the prized ND 1 championship, and did unseat Bristol at the top for a few weeks as the season drew to a close. Exeter’s aspirations of Premiership Rugby remain undiminished, especially with their new stadium currently under construction, due to open in time for next season.

Two weeks Exeter had a resounding win, 38-22 over Pertemps Bees, picking up a try bonus point in the process, and appear to have re-discovered their form. Despite an early setback when their visitors took an unexpected lead after twenty minutes with an unconverted try, the Chiefs responded well and more than redressed the deficit by two converted tries in the space of just three minutes. A break involving both Fatiafola brothers (now there is a good Devonian name) earned a penalty followed by a number lace kicks for catch and drive moves. Bees defended both, and after a further two penalisations Exeter were awarded a penalty try. From the restart the Bees attack broke down, the reclaimed ball was moved to Fatiafola senior who moved forward with devastating pace; avoiding tackles he passed to his brother who put don under the posts. Exeter went in 14-11 at the break, after Bees stepped up their pressure with two converted penalties, as Exeter lacked discipline. A further penalty saw Bees draw level at the start of the second half. This was the spur that Exeter needed and two further tries in ten minutes saw Exeter take command and pick up a bonus point. Despite Bees reducing the deficit again with another penalty and a try Exeter scored their fifth try and ran out winners.

Exeter have taken a number of positives from this game, defensively they looked sound and were consistent with big and effective tackles. In addition they were able to run a number of lines and the will to run with the ball, showing a return of confidence. 

Quins will need to watch out for the Fatialofa brothers as a very strong centre pairing. Full back Tony Yapp had a faultless performance against Birmingham, not only kicking five from five and a drop goal, and he will relish a kicking contest against Mehrtens. In addition their captain and flanker Alan Miller also put in strong performances. Notably the Exeter fly half is ex London Irish player Kevin Barrett. He joined in the summer along with flanker, and England Sevens team member, Tony Roques. Sadly Roques is currently in hospital and is out for the rest of the season after who suffering a badly broken leg and dislocated ankle, against Rotherham three weeks ago.

Exeter have announced a virtually unchanged side, but are yet to name their hooker, and his replacement. First choice Sam Blythe is injured and his replacement Simon Jenkins suffered a family bereavement this week, and is unlikely to play. Our thoughts are with him.

Those supporters who attended the meet the management a few weeks ago, will have picked up a distinct air of confidence, but not complacency, about the way things are going this season. Yes there have been many queries and questions regarding team selection, but Richards has shown to be in control and making the right decisions. The players too are a lot happier, and are proud to be wearing the quartered shirt this year. Duffy’s article in the County Mayo News, posted this week on the message board, oozes pride and passion, and shows a lot of confidence in Richards ability, In today’s Richmond an Twickenham Times, Charlie Amesbury talks about Richards “ I thought he would be unapproachable and stern, but he is actually very funny and one of the lads. If you are playing badly he will tell you, but he will also tell you when you are playing well.” First team experience has been a real bonus for Amesbury, who is not on the team sheet this week. “There were thins I didn’t realize I was deficient in until I played at first team level, but I know what areas I now need to improve” as he tries to pressurize Monye for that place down the left wing.

Two weeks ago Quins had there own comprehensive win 18-36 away at Coventry, despite the wet weather determining that ten man rugby was the order of the day. Mehrtens once again dominated the play with his tactics. Quins excelled at being able to dominate the breakdowns with superior numbers. Vos, as ever was everywhere and Robshaw and Miall impresses with their rucking and lineout work on was very telling.

Quins start as favourites for this match following their six wins out of six starts. Despite the break their momentum and fitness should see them through. NEC Harlequins make three changes to the team that started against and beat Coventry a fortnight ago. There is a welcome return to Ugo Monye who has recovered from the hamstring injury that forced him to miss the matches against Doncaster and Coventry, and starts on the left wing in place of Charlie Amesbury. Monye partners Keogh who starts as right wing. His fellow countryman, and Ireland international Gavin Duffy starts at full back, with Mike Brown dropping to the bench, and Mel Deane partners Tosh Masson at Centre.

Towards the front, illness rules out Chris Robshaw, forcing captain Andre Vos to switch to the blindside flank, with Luke Sherriff coming into the side on the openside flank. Tom Guest takes Sherriff’s place on the bench. Exeter face perhaps our strongest front row line up in Jones, Fuga and Nebbett.

As we enter the second quarter of the season Quins have targeted themselves another six wins and at least another four bonus points as their goal. This is a tall, yet eminently achievable ambition. This is despite a mouth watering home tie against Cornish Pirates and tough away games at Rotherham, Bedford, and Plymouth. Quins now know what to expect on their travels and the results of close games are generally being decided in the last ten minutes as fitness takes control.

Saturday is Quins sternest test so far, but at home Quins should maintain control and hold on the top spot. “Harlequins expect everyman to do his duty this day” and I expect a Quins Victory as Exeter face their Trafalgar! However Exeter will not tire, and will play the full 80 minutes, so any Exeter indiscipline needs to be capitalized on by Quins. The other two big guns win the West Country will have more than a watching eye on this match.

Just one question remains, why are Exeter known as the “Chiefs” ?

NEC Harlequins:
15. Gavin Duffy, 14.Simon Keogh, 13. Tosh Masson, 12. Mel Deane, 11. Ugo Monye, 10. Andrew Mehrtens, 9. Steve So’oialo, 1. Ceri Jones, 2. Tani Fuga, 3. Ricky Nebbett, 4. Jim Evans, 5. Simon Miall, 6. Andre Vos (c.), 7. Luke Sherriff, 8. Nick Easter,
Replacements: 16. Jimmy Richards,17. Lorne Ward, 18. Kevin Burke, 19. Tom Guest, 20. Ian Vass, 21. Adrian Jarvis, 22. Mike Brown,

Exeter Chiefs:
15. Chris Catling, 14.Stephen Ward, 13.Junior Fatialofa, 12.Mark Fatialofa, 11.Gary Kingdom 10.Tony Yapp, 9.Kevin Barrett, 1. Danny Porte, 2.tba, 3. George Davis, 4. Chris Bentley, 5.James Hanks, 6.Tony Walker (c), 7. Alan Miller, 8. Richard Baxter
Replacements: 16. tba, 17. Richard Liddington, 18. Mark Gabey, 19. Gary Willis, 20. Richard Bolt, 21. Adam Staniforth, 22. Pete Fisher

Match Officials:
Referee: Bruce Robertson
Touch judges: Rowan Kitt, EP Clarke