Exeter Chiefs
Chiefs v Wasps Preview
Chiefs
By Black Otter
September 20 2011
Black Otter takes an early look at next Sundays match at Sandy Park when Chiefs take on Wasps.
Reinvigorated pests
Am looking forward to this weekend's game against a seemingly reinvigorated Wasps team. With 2 wins from 3, they sit just one point behind Exe in the table and look to be a completely different proposition to last year.
Coach Dai Young appears to have installed some belief in the squad and is getting more out of the players, plus the club recruited smartly during the summer - Hugo Southwell is a dependable option at full-back, keen to run the ball back in hand, often with interest; former Sale Shark Chris Bell, former Saint Chris Mayor and the returning Riki Flutey will provide a solid midfield combination; Nicky Robinson and former Chief Ryan Davis vie for the 10 shirt; Marco Wentzel and former All Black Ross Filipo provide a strong lineout presence and are more than useful replacements for the departed Simon Shaw; Kiwi Jonathan Poff gives perfect cover for the ever-injured Tom Rees and has been showing what he picked up from understudying Richie McCaw; Jeremy Castex provides the front row with greater strength in depth.
In their first match of the season, Wasps put last year's premiership champions Saracens to the sword as part of the opening weekend's London double-header - opportunist scores from wingers Wade and Varndell were enough to cap a great defensive display. Next up was a TBP win over the Tigers, with Wade's pace causing all kinds of problems for Leicester as the young winger helped himself to a hat-trick of tries. Much like Exe, Wasps weren't able to continue their great start to the campaign and will have been disappointed to go down to Sale at Adams Park without a LBP. Sale had obviously done their homework on the threat that Wasps possess out wide, and were able to stretch the home side with a quick off-loading game. They retained possession of the ball and played a smart territorial game, with Wasps appearing to force the game from early on.
Wasps seem likely to pose a different and arguably stiffer challenge than on their last visit to Sandy Park. With a swift back three, a strong midfield, the cultured boot of Davis, the lineout skills of Filipo & Wentzel, and the strong backrow trio of Launchbury, Poff and Hart, there are threats all over the park. But perhaps there are some weaknesses too - the scrum remains an issue, and both Robinson and Davis are confidence players that can be rattled and have off-days.
Both clubs are likely to be missing a short handful of players out with injuries or thru illness, but Exe will particularly be hoping for the return of Naqelevuki to the midfield. One sad Wasps note is the loss of Dan Ward-Smith to the game thru injury.
Oggy, oggy, oggy Chiefs, Chiefs, Chiefs!
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Discussion started by thechiefstribe.com (IP Logged), 20/09/2011 19:13
20/09/2011 19:13
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Great preview, a really good article. Thanks Black Otter. Really looking forward to this one too.
I suspect that Rob & Co will be looking for the Chiefs to cut out the uncharacteristic mistakes that were too evident in the display againt Bath - too many misplaced box kicks, some aimless kicking from hand, falling off tackles. I'm hoping that our scrum will dominate, suspect that without Hanksy our lineout might struggle, and want our backrow trio to rule the tackle area and breakdown. Possibly we'll play a game based around punching holes thru the middle with our big ball carriers (both forwards and backs) before releasing the ball out wide in further phases 
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:09:21:15:01:33 by black_otter.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:09:21:15:01:33 by black_otter.
Just like @ Bath we cannot afford to kick the ball away, Wasps appear to have 2 wingers who are super quick and look very dangerous. Its a game we can and will hopefully win.
Same as last year methinks. Chiefs too strong up front and Wasps will be on the back foot for most of the game. Just have to make the most of our possession and keep putting points on the board.Expect them to score though.
Lovely preview Black Otter. I think we've all agreed that Wade looks a right handful - lets make sure he doesn't get the ball. Quick ball to our centres would be good, maybe Kev Barrett is the guy to deliver it?
Thanks Black Otter - great preview.
Good points made above too.
From what I've seen this year, I also think Kev has a very strong claim for the 9 shirt. It's going to be a week of interesting team selections in general as we just don't know who's going to be fit yet.
Given home advantage, my money's on us. But we do need to do our part too - be there and make lots of noise!!
Good points made above too.
From what I've seen this year, I also think Kev has a very strong claim for the 9 shirt. It's going to be a week of interesting team selections in general as we just don't know who's going to be fit yet.
Given home advantage, my money's on us. But we do need to do our part too - be there and make lots of noise!!
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