Joe Simmonds has made a “perfect” start to his Exeter career, this according to director of rugby Rob Baxter.
Making his first start for the club at fly-half in the absence of the experienced Gareth Steenson, the situation could hardly have been carrying more pressure – a top-of-the-table contest against Premiership contenders Saracens.
However, the 22-year-old Simmonds kept a calm head, and kicked four penalties on the way to a 24-12 victory that saw him collect the man of the match award.
The younger brother of England number eight Sam Simmonds, Joe too must be having eyes on playing for England at a senior level.
The former England under-20 player attracted plenty of praise for his performance from Baxter.
I was fanatically pleased for Joe and for the way he played and the way he performed,
I was also pleased with what it brought out in the team.
It was perfect, he controlled the game. It was a tough game to come in against Sarries and he got man of the match, so that shows a lot.
