Hepher praises Exeter display

Assistant coach Ali Hepher was full of praise for his Exeter Chiefs side as they moved into the top four of the Aviva Premiership with a convincing 40-6 victory over Worcester Warriors at Sandy Park on Saturday.

Up against a strong wind in the opening period, the Chiefs not only overcame the testing weather conditions, but also some strong attacking play from the visitors to lead 14-6 at the turn thanks to converted tries from Ben White and Dean Mumm.

The second half, however, was all about the Chiefs who went on to secure their first bonus point victory in the division this season with further tries from White, Phil Dollman, Damian Welch and replacement Haydn Thomas.

“It was always going to be tough in that first half and the defensive display we put in was vital, especially going into that wind,” explained Hepher. “It was tough out there because you just couldn’t clear your lines playing into that wind. Therefore to hold them out for no tries, I thought, was a phenomenal effort.

“Rob [Baxter] has been putting a lot of time and effort into our defence and it’s coming through very well. Equally we have an exciting attack as well, so we’re pleased with where our game is at right now. Of course we still have to keep pushing on and tidying up certain areas of our game, but you saw the quality of our attack in that second half.”

Although Dean Ryan’s Worcester side offered a creditable threat in the first period, they were never able to puncture their way through the miserly Chiefs defence and their scant reward from their trip to the Westcountry were two penalties from former Chiefs player Ignacio Mieres.

Not for the first time this season, Exeter’s back and forwards combined to deadly effect to ensure the club collected their fourth league win of the season.

“It’s out first bonus point of any kind in the league this season, so that’s pleasing,” added Hepher. “I thought the guys stuck to their task today and the subs that came on just kept the pressure on. We knew the second half would be tough for Worcester, but we did well, we we’re patient and we kept in there throughout.”

Australians White and Mumm – both of whom have five tries for the season – set the ball rolling for the home side, who continued to impress – particularly up front – as the game continued. “I would say the forwards as a whole did very well today and to pick our a couple for special praise you would struggle,” said Hepher.

“There were lots that put in quality shifts out there and what was really pleasing was the unseen work that was carried out. We’ve been really banging on about that for a while now and the clear outs we’re doing – guys are hitting that much better – is allowing us to create quick ball and we know we are a good side if that happens.”

Quizzed on the form of Chiefs flanker Tom Johnson who was allowed to feature in the game having been released by England earlier in the week, Hepher admitted the player was bang on form.

“For sure he’s put his hand up today,” said Hepher. “He has been right on form this season, but the good thing is we are an in-form side and it gives TJ that platform to push on in the international scene. As far as I’m concerned he’s going well; he’s carrying well; he’s got good pace about him and he’s aggressive in defence, so it was another positive, all-round performance from him.”

Next up for the Chiefs is Friday’s Premiership trip to Sale Sharks, a fixture Hepher knows will be tough for his team.

“They’ve been going well this season,” said the coach. “They are strong, well organised and certainly a lot tighter unit than they were last year. It will be a tough ask for us because not many sides come away with a win from there, but we’re looking forward to it because we’re in good form and we’ll go up there looking to impose our game on them.”