Chiefs Women side to face the Army
By Mark Stevens
6/3/20
Exeter Chiefs Women's Head Coach Susie Appleby says her side can expect a 'strong and physical' threat when they tackle the British Army Women in a friendly fixture at Sandy Park tomorrow (10:45am).
In what will be a first-ever outing on home soil for the newly-formed Chiefs Women's side, the hosts will certainly be looking to build on their recent success against Newcastle Falcons, a performance which Appleby described post-match as the 'launch-pad' for greater things ahead.
"The Newcastle game was a great starting point for us," said Appleby, whose side won 27-10 at Kingston Park. "Because it was out first game and we hadn't been together all that long, we knew things weren't going to be perfect. That said, there were lots of positives to take from the game and it's given us a great launch pad from which to work.
"Since then, we've been able to work more on things like our set-piece, our defensive systems and the way we want to play. Defence, I guess, has been the biggest thing for us. Getting the team to be more pro-active in that area and re-enforcing some of the ideas we have has been a big focus for us in recent weeks."
That said, the Chiefs showed against the Falcons that their attack is coming along nicely with young back-row forward Ebony Jeffries claiming a hat-trick of tries, while there were touchdowns for Garnet MacKinder and Charlie Budge.
All three will start tomorrow's encounter against the Army, who Appleby believes will offer a creditable threat to her team.
"As you'd expect, the Army are going to be strong, physical and, because they play together quite a lot, they are also very organised," warned Appleby. "They'll also be very fit, so it's going to be a great test for us. Having these kinds of challenges is just what we need to help aid our development as a team. It also gives us as coaches an indication of where we are as a team and what areas we need to work on moving forward."
Appleby and assistant coach Amy Garnett have not only been spearheading the creation of the new-look Chiefs side, but the two former England internationals have also been heavily involved in the club's application to become a side in next season's Tyrrell's Women's Premiership. The Devon club's application was submitted a few weeks ago and a decision on whether they have been successful is expected early next month.
"It's been a busy time, both on and off the field," explained Appleby. "Our application has gone in, we have an interview with the organisers at the end of this month, after which we should have a decision by early April. Right now it's all systems go for us, but it's an exciting time as well.
"This weekend's game is another big milestone for us, particularly as we are playing our first game here at Sandy Park. With it being on the same day as the men play, it's going to be a 'Super Saturday' full of rugby. Hopefully, lots of supporters will come along early to see us and then the men in action against Bath!"
** PLEASE NOTE - Only supporters with tickets for the Exeter Chiefs versus Bath fixture will be permitted to watch the Women's game beforehand **
EXETER CHIEFS WOMEN SIDE TO FACE BRITISH ARMY
15 Cat McNaney
14 Paulina Toresäter
13 Garnet MacKinder
12 Mollie Pepper
11 Gabby Gower
10 Hannah Gascoigne
9 Sofia Mazzone
1 Michaella Roberts
2 Charlie Budge
3 Hannah Duffy
4 Rosanna Moynihan
5 Kayleigh Armstrong
6 Ebony Jefferies
7 Milla Lynch-Barsby
8 Jo McBain (capt)
16 Libby Peak
17 Lizzie Hanlon
18 Izzy Masi
19 Sian Hobday
20 Lauren Hill
21 Niamh Terry
22 Evie Longworth