Gray expects battle up at Scotstoun
By Mark Stevens
14/12/21
Jonny Gray has warned his Exeter Chiefs team-mates to prepare for battle as they ready themselves to head North of the Border for their latest Heineken Champions Cup clash this Saturday.
Having opened their account with a convincing 42-6 victory over Montpellier last weekend, the Chiefs must now follow it up with an equally powerful display against Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun (5:30pm).
It will mark a first competitive return for Gray to his former stomping ground – and he knows he and the Chiefs can expect the Warriors to come out fighting after they were undone 20-13 in their opening fixture away to La Rochelle.
Gray departed the Warriors back in 2020 after an eight-year stint in which he amassed over 100 appearances for the club. Quite rightly, he is proud of his achievements at his former club, which he says he still holds close to his heart.
However, sentiment will be put to one side in this Round Two clash, where he could well come face to face against older brother Richie in the rival ranks.
“It’s going to be a tough game up there,” said Gray, who grabbed a first-ever hat-trick of tries in the win over Montpellier. “When I was at Glasgow we always said we get Exeter in Europe – and then when I came here, all the boys here said we always get Glasgow.
“Both teams know each other very well and there are great players on both sides. It will be weird going back for the first time, but we’ve talked already about preparing well because it’s going to be a tough game.”
The Chiefs, however, will travel in buoyant mood having produced a powerful second half showing to put aside the challenge of Montpellier. As well as Gray’s treble, Stuart Hogg, Sam Simmonds and Don Armand all found their way over the try-line.
“It was great to start with a win,” added Gray, who has only recently returned to action following shoulder surgery in the summer. “We know how tough this competition is and the quality of team Montpellier are. If you just look at the squad and the players they have, we knew we had to start well, especially at home.
“Every result matters and every point matters. First half there wasn’t a lot in it and we got some tough talking at half time. We knew we had to start the second half well – and that’s exactly what we did.
“As I said, it was important to win, especially as we were at home. It was great to see a few of the things we’ve been working on come to fruition, but there is still lots to build on going into the Glasgow game.”