Exeter to focus on performances
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Exeter Chiefs prop Ben Moon has revealed that the Gallagher Premiership club plan to focus on their performances in this year’s Heineken Champions Cup rather than just results.
The Chiefs open their Pool A campaign at TOP14 side Castres Olympique on Saturday and Moon believes Exeter will do best if they concentrate on how they play rather than the scoreboard.
“The past couple of years I think we’ve perhaps put too much pressure on ourselves for the result, rather than the performance,” the England forward explained, “If we get the performance right, the result will look after itself.
“It’s always very tricky [in France]. The fans are nuts over there. They’re very passionate people. They love their rugby.
“It’s a challenge that everyone looks for at Chiefs and when we go over to France, they’re always good encounters.”
Exeter won EPCR’s leading competition in 2020, with Moon an ever-present, but the 33-year-old believes the club’s youngsters are just as important as the players who have tasted success previously in the Chiefs’ bid for a second Heineken Champions Cup.
3️⃣ DAYS TO GO 🚨
Which game will your eyes be on? 👀 #HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/4VBkHhWoiJ
— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) December 6, 2022
“Obviously, it’s important to have those guys who’ve experienced it and done that, and played on a bigger stage,” he said.
“Equally, though, for the young guys coming through, they’re going to want to stamp their mark on it and play a good brand of rugby to get themselves looked at for international games.”
Moon revealed that the Chiefs are excited about their chances and at the prospect of travelling to South Africa for the first time when they take on the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria in Round 3.
“The only way is up,” Moon said. “We’ve got a good trip. For the first time, going to South Africa, it’s one everyone is really looking forward to.
“You get to go to new places, experience new things, play players of a high profile who are at the top end of their league. It’s exciting.
“Everyone’s obviously in this competition for a reason, because they’re a good club side and they’ve earned the right to get into this competition. It will be exciting. Obviously, there are some tough teams to play, but it’s a challenge we’re looking forward to.”
