Skip to content

Aviva Premiership: Ian Whitten says Exeter Chiefs must be clinical against Gloucester

Ian Whitten Exeter Chiefs tackled Anthony Allen Leicester Tigers
Image: Ian Whitten is tackled by Anthony Allen during last weekend's narrow loss to Leicester Tigers

Ian Whitten says Exeter Chiefs must be more clinical if they are to topple the Aviva Premiership's elite sides.

The Chiefs fell to a narrow 24-20 home defeat against Leicester Tigers last weekend after failing to hold onto a half-time advantage.

Whitten hopes the Chiefs can bounce back at the first attempt when they make the short trek up the M5 to Gloucester on Friday night.

"We were disappointed to lose that way, but at least we know performance wise we're not too far away,” said the Irishman.

"Had we taken one or two of our chances then we could have won the game, so from that point of view it's disappointing. At the same time we'll take confidence we're not too far away from knocking the top sides over, so hopefully we can put it all together on Friday night.

"Already this season we are doing some good things in attack and defence. Defensively we've been a lot better this season and you can see we've knocked it on a bit and guys are defending well.

Gloucester will be a tough test for us. They've signed a few boys, they have a new coaching set-up and they are looking to push on a bit.
Ian Whitten

“Also attack-wise some of the things we've worked on in pre-season have come together for us, so it's about being clinical and taking those one or two chances against the top sides.”

Last season the Chiefs produced arguably their best display on the road when they won 29-12 at Kingsholm and Whitten says the visitors will certainly take confidence from that performance, as well as the form they have already produced in games this term.

"It was a good performance up there last season, so we'll look for more of the same,” said the 27-year-old back.

"We should definitely take confidence from that, but it's a tough place to go and the crowd are always on your backs a wee bit. We know, however, we've done well there in the past and hopefully it will be the same this week.”

He added: "It'll be a tough test for us. They've signed a few boys, they have a new coaching set-up and they are looking to push on a bit.

"We know we have to be on our toes, but we're playing well and we'll certainly take confidence from our first two games. As I said, it'll be tough and if we don't pitch up, it will be a long night for us.”

Around Sky