Susie Appleby, the head coach of Exeter Chiefs, has voiced her disappointment in the team’s 31-27 loss to reigning champions Gloucester-Hartpury in the Premiership Women’s Rugby. This match marked the continuation of the rivalry between the two teams since Gloucester’s victory in last season’s Premier 15s final.
Gloucester took an early 19-0 lead, but Exeter fought back and managed to take a 27-26 lead before Mia Venner’s crucial 74th-minute try secured the win for Gloucester. In a post-match interview with BBC Radio Devon, Appleby acknowledged, “We are aware of our capabilities as a team, but our performance today did not reflect this. Our lack of continuity and pressure allowed the opposition to gain the upper hand. However, we will use this experience to improve and focus on our next steps.”
This defeat was Exeter’s first in four league games this season, positioning them in second place with two losing bonus points, just three points behind leaders Saracens. Meanwhile, Gloucester occupies fourth place, trailing by three points with a game in hand. Appleby stressed the significance of every point, stating, “Every point is crucial, and earning two points is a significant achievement. They may take five points away, but our two points keep us in contention for the following week. It’s a long season, and our focus is on the points we accumulate in the end, not just for the present moment. Therefore, we will maintain a positive outlook as it is essential for our team.”
Looking ahead, Appleby emphasized the necessity of sustaining a competitive squad, stating, “Today’s match has prompted considerations for team selection next week, as individuals have demonstrated their capabilities. This healthy competition within the squad is essential for our team’s development.”
In conclusion, the loss to Gloucester-Hartpury was a challenging setback for Exeter Chiefs. Nevertheless, the team remains resolute in their determination to learn from this experience and enhance their performance in future games. Despite the obstacles that lie ahead, the team is unwavering in their commitment to remain competitive and vie for the top position in the league standings.
The original news article is available on the BBC Sport website.