Exeter Chiefs are storming back to the forefront of PREM Rugby, clinching a spot in the top four with a commanding start to the season. October 24 holds a special place in Exeter’s heart, not just as a historical date globally, but as the day the Chiefs clinched their memorable double five years ago. Fast forward to today, and they are reigniting that championship form, marking the anniversary with a definitive 39-12 victory over their regional rivals Gloucester.
This resurgence is a stark contrast to last season's struggles, where they managed only four league wins. Now, with three wins, a draw, and a single defeat, Exeter sits comfortably third at the international break, signaling a promising season ahead. The Chiefs have reverted to their hallmark style of play, emphasizing brute strength in the maul and ruck, complemented by strategic territorial gains. This season, they've dominated the field with an average territorial advantage of 57%, and a striking success rate in scrums and rucks at 90% and 96%, respectively.
The influence of attack coach Dave Walder has been pivotal, infusing a blend of dynamic rugby that has seen Exeter racking up points, boasting the second-best points difference in the league.
"The way Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is scoring, it’s clear that the influence of our new attack strategies is taking shape beautifully,"
noted Walder, highlighting the impactful blend of seasoned tactics and fresh dynamism.
Key players have stepped up significantly this season. Captain Dafydd Jenkins and Henry Slade have been formidable, with Slade's form possibly making him the league’s top player currently. New signings like Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper have seamlessly integrated, showing their worth early on. The pack has been bolstered by the likes of Joseph Dweba and Bachuki Tchumbadze, enhancing the Chiefs’ forward dominance.
With the squad's depth and quality visibly improved, Exeter Chiefs are shaping up not just to revisit their past glories but to possibly exceed them. As they continue to build on this strong start, the rest of the season holds much promise, potentially heralding the return of the Chiefs as a powerhouse in English rugby.
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Exeter Chiefs are storming back to the forefront of PREM Rugby, clinching a spot in the top four with a commanding start to the season. October 24 holds a special place in Exeter’s heart, not just as a historical date globally, but as the day the Chiefs clinched their memorable double five years ago. Fast forward to today, and they are reigniting that championship form, marking the anniversary with a definitive 39-12 victory over their regional rivals Gloucester.
This resurgence is a stark contrast to last season's struggles, where they managed only four league wins. Now, with three wins, a draw, and a single defeat, Exeter sits comfortably third at the international break, signaling a promising season ahead. The Chiefs have reverted to their hallmark style of play, emphasizing brute strength in the maul and ruck, complemented by strategic territorial gains. This season, they've dominated the field with an average territorial advantage of 57%, and a striking success rate in scrums and rucks at 90% and 96%, respectively.
The influence of attack coach Dave Walder has been pivotal, infusing a blend of dynamic rugby that has seen Exeter racking up points, boasting the second-best points difference in the league.
"The way Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is scoring, it’s clear that the influence of our new attack strategies is taking shape beautifully,"
noted Walder, highlighting the impactful blend of seasoned tactics and fresh dynamism.Key players have stepped up significantly this season. Captain Dafydd Jenkins and Henry Slade have been formidable, with Slade's form possibly making him the league’s top player currently. New signings like Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper have seamlessly integrated, showing their worth early on. The pack has been bolstered by the likes of Joseph Dweba and Bachuki Tchumbadze, enhancing the Chiefs’ forward dominance.
With the squad's depth and quality visibly improved, Exeter Chiefs are shaping up not just to revisit their past glories but to possibly exceed them. As they continue to build on this strong start, the rest of the season holds much promise, potentially heralding the return of the Chiefs as a powerhouse in English rugby.