Chiefs skipper disappointed with loss

by Mark Stevens

New skipper Dean Mumm bemoaned a poor first half showing as Exeter Chiefs kicked off the new Aviva Premiership season with a disappointing 38-11 defeat at Northampton Saints.

In a one-sided first 40 minutes at Franklin's Gardens, the impressive Saints ran riot as they claimed a try bonus point inside 36 minutes thanks to touchdowns from Dylan Hartley, Tom Wood, Ken Pisi and George Pisi.

Although the Chiefs improved greatly after the break - claiming a try through Mumm himself - the home side had the final word when replacement Samu Manoa crossed from a catch-and-drive move.

At the final whistle, the disappointed Australian international pulled no punches in his assessment of Exeter's display in the Midlands.

"I think there are certain realities about today," he said. "You can't come to Franklin's Gardens and play 40 mins of rugby like we did. Also you can't give the opposition the opportunity to perform in the first half, which we did. We were not disciplined enough and gave them too much access to territory.

"We knew coming here that Northampton are an excellent side, so it was hugely disappointing that we gave them so many oppportunities, especially in the first half."

With the Chiefs trailing 31-6 at the interval, Mumm admitted head coach Rob Baxter and his assistants used the half-time break to vent their frustrations.

"Deservedly we got a few words at half time about the quality of our play," admitted Mumm, who was signed last summer from Super 15 side Waratahs. "Crucially we did respond in the second half, which was a positive, and we put a lot more of pressure on them which in turn resulted in them losing a man for ten minutes to the bin.

"We created lots of opportunities, but if we're being honest we'd have like to have finished more of them. We will, though, use the second half as a real positive to take into next week and look to build on all the good things we did in this game."

Next up for the Chiefs is Saturday's visit of London Wasps, who themselves will be targeting a first win of the season after they were narrowly edged out 16-15 by Harlequins in the London Double Header at Twickenham.

Tickets for this game are still available either online by clicking here or through the Trading Post, which is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.

Picture: Exeter Rugby Club/Pinnacle Photo Agency