Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter has dismissed concerns over his side’s shaky start to the Premiership season, arguing that their current standing reflects a consistent pattern rather than a crisis. The reigning champions, who were defeated 20-7 by Bristol Bears on Saturday, now sit second from bottom in the table after four matches. This difficult run includes home losses to Gloucester and an away defeat at Bath, with their only win coming via a bonus-point victory over Newcastle. Baxter remains unshaken, emphasizing that the team’s performance metrics align closely with their successful campaign from the previous year.
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Baxter provided a detailed statistical breakdown to BBC Radio Devon, highlighting that the Chiefs’ point accumulation is virtually identical to last season’s early stages. He noted that the only significant deviation was the loss to Gloucester, a team he believes is poised for a strong campaign. “We lost that first game of the season, but we picked up a point,” Baxter explained. “We’ve been to Bath and picked up two points, which is what we did last season.” He further pointed out that the bonus-point win over Newcastle and the defeat in Bristol mirror their previous season’s results, suggesting the current form is part of a familiar rhythm rather than a decline.
The Chiefs’ resilience is evident in their ability to secure points despite heavy defeats, a strategy that has historically served them well in the latter stages of the season. By maintaining focus on the “reality” of their performance rather than the optics of their league position, Baxter aims to keep the squad grounded and motivated. As the season progresses, the Chiefs will look to build on these foundational points, trusting that their late-season surge, which culminated in the Premiership title last June, will repeat itself as their form finds its natural peak.
Source: Yahoo Sports
