Baxter presses claims for his players
By Mark Stevens
24/11/20
Rob Baxter has admitted there are players within his Exeter Chiefs squad “burning to illustrate” what they can do for England coach Eddie Jones.
Having completed a historic Premiership and Champions Cup double last season, Jones has resisted the calls of many to raid Baxter’s English riches during the current Autumn Nations Cup.
Only four players - Henry Slade, Jonny Hill, Harry Williams and Luke Cowan-Dickie - have been summoned into the national camp, meaning a number of others have been left behind in Devon as the Chiefs kicked off their title defence.
Last Friday’s Premiership trip to Harlequins was Exeter’s first game of the new campaign and it was one of those not included by Jones, Chiefs No.8 Sam Simmonds who stole the show.
The reigning European Player of the Year produced an outstanding individual effort with three tries to help his side kick-off their season with a 33-3 win at The Stoop.
The champions were fortunate to be able to call on Simmonds and other leading players who could all be considered for England selection, with his brother Joe and props Williams and Alec Hepburn touted as possible national team players.
Baxter said: “Sam Simmonds put down a marker out there as he and a number of our players are burning to illustrate what they can do.
“There is no criticism of Eddie Jones but players can’t sit and wait. All they can do is keep putting their name in the hat and wait for your turn to happen.”
Dave Ewers and Stu Townsend were also on the try-scoring sheet for Exeter, with Joe Simmonds adding four conversions.A penalty from Marcus Smith was Quins’ sole response.
Baxter was thrilled with his side’s performance, which came just 27 days since they secured last season’s crown.
He said: “I’m really pleased as you’ve got to hand it to the players for with such limited prep time, they were able to turn up and put on a magnificent show away from home.
“You have to have a great work ethic and they showed it tonight and you don’t win games of Premiership rugby unless you are able to show that.
“It would be great for us to be more adventurous and I’m sure that will come as it’s frustrating sitting in hotel rooms and looking at weather forecasts which show rain continually falling down.”
