Match Preview: Exeter aim to end pool stage on a high

Match Preview: Exeter aim to end pool stage on a high

Exeter Chiefs are already through to the knockout stage of the Heineken Champions Cup – and will look to thrill the home faithful as they welcome Pool A basement side Castres Olympique for Round 4 on Saturday.

Their only defeat in the competition so far came last week at the hands of the Vodacom Bulls, 39-28, though Jack Innard’s late try saw them come away with a crucial bonus point.

Chiefs, who are looking to secure a top seeding for the knockout, will be reassured with the knowledge that they enjoyed a comfortable win in the reverse fixture last month, beating the TOP 14 side 27-12.

The Pool A match kicks off at 5.30pm local time at Sandy Park, and can be watched on BT Sport, beIN SPORTS, SuperSport, and FloRugby.

Key quote:


Exeter head coach Ali Hepher: “At the moment, we’re giving teams an extra five or six penalties that we shouldn’t be doing, so there are lessons to learn around that area.”



     
     

Exeter Chiefs

  • Dave Ewers has made the joint-most dominant carry contacts in the tournament, with 16. Sam Simmonds also ranks in the top five, with 13.
  • Christ Tshiunza has made as many clear-outs as any other player in the competition (21, equal with Leinster’s James Ryan and Ulster’s Alan O’Connor).
  • Joe Simmonds’ passes have caused a competition-high total of four receiver errors (equal with Racing 92’s Nolann le Garrec).
  • Chiefs have made the most post-contact metres (390) but the fewest kicks (55) in the competition this season.

Castres Olympique

  • Also making three clean breaks, Josaia Raisuqe made 94 metres in Round 3.
  • Of Castres’ six tries in the competition so far this season, three have begun with a set piece, and two have come from a tap penalty.
     
     

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