Exeter boss Baxter expects 'tough challenge' against Saints

Rob Baxter says Saints always provide a 'tough challenge' for his Exeter Chiefs side.
Exeter boss Rob BaxterExeter boss Rob Baxter
Exeter boss Rob Baxter

And he is expecting more of the same at Sandy Park on Saturday.

Saints head to Exeter, where they have lost on each of their past 10 visits.

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The black, green and gold have not won at game at Sandy Park since February 2014.

Saints' most recent game at Exeter ended in defeat as they bowed out of the Champions Cup at the quarter-final stage.

Exeter went on to win the competition as well as the Gallagher Premiership.

And ahead of this weekend's league clash, Baxter said: “We’ve played them a lot in recent times, what with the make-up of the calendar and playing them in the quarter-finals of Europe as well.

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“In all those games, we’ve always found them a tough challenge and we’re expecting much the same this weekend.

“What we have to do, however, is replicate what we’ve been doing these last three weeks. That means not trying to over complicate things or make it too difficult, but instead just focus on those foundations elements which have served us so well.

"That is to go out on the field, work hard for 80 minutes, be tough, stick together and stay disciplined.

“That is what we have done really well, both in two tough away games at Worcester and Newcastle, but then doubling it up last week against London Irish where I thought we were fantastic.

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"Our energy and our enthusiasm in defence was spot on and that allowed us to control the gain line, while in attack we started to purr a little bit.

“Obviously, conditions were more favourable last week, but I’m not so sure it will be the same this weekend.

"Therefore, all we can really promise is to continue working hard and being tough defence, because if you do that, you give yourself a great chance to win a game of rugby.”

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