Armand says bonus point could be vital

Don Armand says the bonus point secured in the final minute of Exeter Chiefs’ famous win over Clermont Auvergne on Saturday could be a vital lifeline in the race for a quarter-final spot.

Mitch Lees rumbled over from close range for Exe’s fourth try in the European Champions Cup tie after a spell of heavy pressure to make it a five-point win and give their hopes of qualification from Pool Two a huge lift.

Gareth Steenson converted to make the final score 31-14, and Rob Baxter’s men head to Clermont on Sunday with their European prospects looking healthy. “That fourth try was huge – you don’t know how much that bonus point will help us at the end of the day,” said Armand, 27.

“The first thing Rob said after the game was what a massive, massive game it is now this weekend. We basically have to reset and come back knowing it will be an even bigger game now.

“There was a lot of chat about them being top of their league and us being near the top of ours and it was going to be a big clash. We picked it up though, it was a good game and we got some good tries.

“We are getting good conversions when we go to the opposition 22. We have to work hard for them and the guys have learned it is all worth working hard for when you get those points.”

On a memorable night for the home side, and with new England head coach Eddie Jones in the stands, Armand joined Lees on the scoresheet, while No. 8 Thomas Waldrom dotted down twice and fly-half Steenson kicked 11 points.

Morgan Parra converted tries from Hosea Gear and Aurélien Rougerie to give the visitors a 14-3 lead at one stage, but Waldrom’s first score just before the break helped turn the tide back in the home side’s favour.

See more at: http://exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/bonus-point-huge-says-armand/#sthash.FvJt2jNA.dpuf