Exeter Chiefs
AP block 1 review Exeter Chiefs
AP
By Moorsman
October 13 2014
Part 1 of a look at how the Chiefs have prospered in the 1st block of Premiership fixtures.
first 6 review 14_15
Chiefs Review of 1st Block Premiership games
Part 1
A major talking point from a Chiefs perspective during this block of games has been the form of our young guns. First up there's Dave Ewers who was involved with the England Saxons last season and turned out for England v Baa Baas. Well his form this season will have done his International prospects no harm at all. It looks like Dave has benefitted from the presence of Tomas Waldrom in the Chiefs camp. Whatever the reason Dave is playing with freedom and playing better than ever.
Now onto the player who appears to be impressing a lot of people, Henry Slade. Although a 10 Henry has been plying his trade at 12 or 13 alongside Sam Hill so far this season. He has been putting in some very mature performances and stands out as a player who appears to have more time than most to makde decisions. He is equally assured in attack and defence with a booming place kick to send the ball flying well over the bar from 50 metres plus. Henry has grown in confidence since his performance v the Baa Baas and must be in Stuart Lancaster's thoughts for the Autumn Internationals.
The other young gun to have caught the eye of many is Sam Hill. Sam and Henry have played together a lot in the Chiefs Academy and England age group sides. This has shown in the understanding they have demonstrated during this block of games. Although Sam isn't the biggest centre around he lacks nothing in the ability to deliver a powerful thrust in midfield. He's not just a crash merchant though and has shown loads of good touches.
However it's not just been about the young guns. Sam and Henry have been playing outside an in form Gareth Steenson who seems to have added steel this season. We all know how accurate Steeno is from the tee but his eye for a gap and well timed pass are sweet to behold. Steeno has a real spring in his step and will take some shifting from the 10 slot.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | For | Against | Bonus Pts | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northampton | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 197 | 82 | 5 | 25 |
| 2 | Saracens | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 188 | 121 | 2 | 22 |
| 3 | Exeter | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 201 | 112 | 4 | 20 |
| 4 | Bath | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 194 | 117 | 4 | 20 |
| 5 | Wasps | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 149 | 141 | 3 | 15 |
| 6 | Gloucester | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 162 | 159 | 3 | 15 |
| 7 | Harlequins | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 127 | 135 | 2 | 14 |
| 8 | Leicester | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 117 | 153 | 2 | 14 |
| 9 | London Irish | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 125 | 156 | 4 | 12 |
| 10 | Sale | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 147 | 168 | 3 | 11 |
| 11 | Newcastle | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 115 | 153 | 1 | 9 |
| 12 | London Welsh | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 47 | 272 | 1 | 1 |
Well that's how the table reads and as a Chiefs fan I'm pretty happy with that. I suspect Rob Baxter will be pretty happy too. The guys will have had a target for the first block and 4 wins, 2 try bonus and 2 losing bonus points is a healthy haul. Some will say the Chiefs had an 'easy' first block but as Rob always reminds us there are no easy games in the Prem. If you don't go into the game with the right frame of mind you're likely to lose as with the Falcons defeat. Take nothing away from Falcons as they rightly deserved to win. Although Rob gives his thoughts on totally artificial pitches in this weeks Rugby Paper but that discussion is for another day. The one thing Rob always talks about is the need for the players to enjoy what they do. This has been evident with both young and old hands who appear to really enjoy playing with and for each other. The whole team are enjoying the game but I guess that's a lot easier when both forwards and backs are playing some great rugby.
A major talking point from a Chiefs perspective during this block of games has been the form of our young guns. First up there's Dave Ewers who was involved with the England Saxons last season and turned out for England v Baa Baas. Well his form this season will have done his International prospects no harm at all. It looks like Dave has benefitted from the presence of Tomas Waldrom in the Chiefs camp. Whatever the reason Dave is playing with freedom and playing better than ever.
Now onto the player who appears to be impressing a lot of people, Henry Slade. Although a 10 Henry has been plying his trade at 12 or 13 alongside Sam Hill so far this season. He has been putting in some very mature performances and stands out as a player who appears to have more time than most to makde decisions. He is equally assured in attack and defence with a booming place kick to send the ball flying well over the bar from 50 metres plus. Henry has grown in confidence since his performance v the Baa Baas and must be in Stuart Lancaster's thoughts for the Autumn Internationals.
The other young gun to have caught the eye of many is Sam Hill. Sam and Henry have played together a lot in the Chiefs Academy and England age group sides. This has shown in the understanding they have demonstrated during this block of games. Although Sam isn't the biggest centre around he lacks nothing in the ability to deliver a powerful thrust in midfield. He's not just a crash merchant though and has shown loads of good touches.
However it's not just been about the young guns. Sam and Henry have been playing outside an in form Gareth Steenson who seems to have added steel this season. We all know how accurate Steeno is from the tee but his eye for a gap and well timed pass are sweet to behold. Steeno has a real spring in his step and will take some shifting from the 10 slot.
What about the summer signings the pundits didn't think were strong enough for Chiefs to be avoiding a position in the lower part of the table? Well I'll take a look at them next time.
all photos courtesy of Empics via Sportnetwork.
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Discussion started by thechiefstribe.com (IP Logged), 13/10/2014 23:09
13/10/2014 23:09
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Great review Moorsman, the blossoming of our young players has undoubtedly played a part in our success this season - well done to the coaches for having the bravery to play them. We also made some astute signings during the close season and TTTE and Tomas Francis have made an enormous impact! I also think Will Chudleigh has played some great rugby and has taken his opportunity to get some starts with aplomb. Finally our stand in skipper, Jack Yeandle has led the team quietly and efficiently and has improved his throw in to the line out no end!
It has been an excellent start, the blip against the Falcons aside. The blend of newcomers, youngsters and oldies seems to be gelling very nicely, with two of the summer signings in particular standing out for me - Thomas the Tank and young Donny Tommy. I honestly didn't think that TTTE had much left to give the Chiefs, but his experience at the top end of the game has galvanised our forward play. And young Francis has been a revelation - possibly one of the least talked about figures for us thus far this season, but it takes some doing for Tui not to be badly missed. Couple that with Jack Y's on-field leadership, and an average age of 24 years old for our starting front row of Moon-Yeandle-Francis (Rob, pls can we sign these guys to long-term contracts before others notice what gems they are!).
One note of context which I found on the twattosphere which struck me as interesting:
[twitter.com]
Of course you can only play what is in front of you, and the same context equally applies to Saints for example.
But all looking good and on to the European Challenging Cup we go, with a few of the boys earning well-earned rests I'm sure
One note of context which I found on the twattosphere which struck me as interesting:
[twitter.com]
Of course you can only play what is in front of you, and the same context equally applies to Saints for example.
But all looking good and on to the European Challenging Cup we go, with a few of the boys earning well-earned rests I'm sure
Very well put Moorsman.
I don't think anyone would have thought we would be sitting in third spot at this stage.
There were some with concerns about our line up before playing Welsh! Oh ye of little faith.....hang on, oh I was one of them!!
TTTE has to be the biggest and best addition to the family but it must also be said that Thomas Francis has stepped up to the plate with flying colours. Mitch Lees and Ryan Caldwell have impressed too. These boys compliment our young guns perfectly and I think as a team we have taken it up a notch.
Excellent half term report.....more of the same please boys....tough tests to follow!
Time for a pipe of Old Toby!
I don't think anyone would have thought we would be sitting in third spot at this stage.
There were some with concerns about our line up before playing Welsh! Oh ye of little faith.....hang on, oh I was one of them!!
TTTE has to be the biggest and best addition to the family but it must also be said that Thomas Francis has stepped up to the plate with flying colours. Mitch Lees and Ryan Caldwell have impressed too. These boys compliment our young guns perfectly and I think as a team we have taken it up a notch.
Excellent half term report.....more of the same please boys....tough tests to follow!
Time for a pipe of Old Toby!
Agree with all of above, but i am concerned about what happens when we empty our bench. We seem to start shipping points. Have not been impressed with Moray Low who is giving away to-many penalties.
I think Moray will come good, he needs some starts in the lV and possibly Euopean games to get some confidence boosting game time.
Looking at Jack Y's work rate so far this season both in tackling, carries and support running. Coupled with a very accurate throw in, it surely must be just a matter of time before he gets an England call. He has been superb so far this year.
The team energy on Saturday in terms of defensive line speed and kick chase was excellent, if we can maintain that we will have a very good season.
Looking at Jack Y's work rate so far this season both in tackling, carries and support running. Coupled with a very accurate throw in, it surely must be just a matter of time before he gets an England call. He has been superb so far this year.
The team energy on Saturday in terms of defensive line speed and kick chase was excellent, if we can maintain that we will have a very good season.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading that Moorsman, thank you.
After six games, the Exeter Chiefs are two scores away from being unbeaten and top of the league, they are the league's highest-scoring side and perhaps even more pleasingly they have the second best defensive record. Only two teams have scored more tries that Exeter.
The fact that many pundits had us down for relegation goes to show how much they know.
After six games, the Exeter Chiefs are two scores away from being unbeaten and top of the league, they are the league's highest-scoring side and perhaps even more pleasingly they have the second best defensive record. Only two teams have scored more tries that Exeter.
The fact that many pundits had us down for relegation goes to show how much they know.
Good read Moorsman.
Wonderfull start to the season,couldnt ask for more really.
I too questioned our squad experience before the first game but was proved plesantly wrong(again).
As long as we can stay relatively clear of too many injurys then all bodes well.
The next block is tough, but then they all are.
Great entertainment on the pitch with a high tempo attacking game.
Wonderfull start to the season,couldnt ask for more really.
I too questioned our squad experience before the first game but was proved plesantly wrong(again).
As long as we can stay relatively clear of too many injurys then all bodes well.
The next block is tough, but then they all are.
Great entertainment on the pitch with a high tempo attacking game.
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