Exeter Chiefs are in somewhat of a complicated position right now, with the team in fourth place in the league but still doubts over whether they will make the playoffs at the end of the season.
The Chiefs sit on 47 points, within four points of Leicester Tigers in front but with the same gap behind to the Bristol Bears, who sit in fifth on 43 points after impressing in their win versus Gloucester Bears on Friday, dominating in a game that ended up 53-12.
One too many losses compared to Bristol could mean that Exeter could drop behind Bristol and out of the playoffs, but a strong end of the year is not out of the question for the Chiefs either, especially considering they also have a Challenge Cup semi-final to look forward to against Ulster.
Season is currently still ‘in our hands’, says Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter
It seemed like Saturday’s matchup against Northampton Saints would produce the same result as it did in September—with a draw for both teams—as Chiefs substitute Paul Brown-Bampoe levelled the game with two minutes to go, but a last minute try from Fin Smith meant the Saints went home victorious.
Speaking after the game, Chiefs’ Baxter was able to focus on the positives for his team surrounding their late-season contention instead of dwelling on what was a frustrating loss.
“The lads are walking around looking a bit despondent but we are still in fourth place, and if we keep winning we will stay in the top four. The season is still in our hands, we are in a European semi-final in two weeks’ time and we are still fighting in the PREM.”
On how the team performed in-game, Baxter stated he was both annoyed with his own choices as well as the team’s.
“I am a little bit annoyed with myself—we did a lot right… maybe we got a little too edgy or too nervous to play really well… it was actually quite a scrappy game—when we had possession, we gave it up easily in a variety of ways.”
Chiefs will face off next against Gloucester in Round 14—you can read all you need to know about the upcoming matches here—on Sunday 26th April at 15:30.
