Jess ready for last four showdown

By David Byrom
9/3/17

Exeter Chiefs winger Matt Jess is hoping the team can deliver on Sunday's Anglo-Welsh Cup semi-final (3pm).

Chiefs take on Harlequins at Sandy Park on Sunday, with a place in the final at stake, and Jess says they must treat the game like another other.

He said: "It's a big game for the club. There's a lot of talent in this squad, and we've been striving for every competition, whether it's the Premiership, European Cup and the Anglo-Welsh. It's nothing different, we know it's a big game, so we've been gearing this training session to focus on us and hopefully we can deliver on Sunday when it comes to game day."

This season's final will be played at Twickenham Stoop, home of Harlequins, which Jess says gives the visitors extra incentive.

"We haven't really talked about it. They've got a home final if they make it, so they're going to come down here and make an intent to rip the game away from us.

"We've got to make this place a fortress as we have done previously in these type of games, and make sure it's about us. We know they're a dangerous side; they've got some quality players, some young up and coming players. We're looking forward to the challenge that arises on Sunday."

Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has given young players plenty of game time in the competition this season, and Jess, who is one of the club's most experience players, has enjoyed working with the younger players.

He said: "The young guys express themselves, they've got the knowhow, and the go forward to express themselves individually, but we're there to steady the ship or to make sure we're communicating all the time. If fatigue hits in we keep talking to them, to keep driving them, and make sure their completely focused. They have the potential to break down the Harlequins defence and hopefully get over the try-line."

Jess has missed most of the season after he underwent surgery on a toe injury, which ruled the 32-year-old out for four months, but is looking forward to playing on Sunday.

"It's about trying to express yourself, to get back on the field and use that excitement and enjoyment to show what you've got to do. But also you've got to show you're an important member of the squad. If an injury arises you're going to be straight back in there. The guys are going well, certainly in the Premiership. Rob's used his squad wisely, he gives people game time, and he chops and changes. But it's all about trust. You've got to trust your players and Rob does that, he trusts that we're all good players."

Jess was part of the Chiefs side that won the 2014 final, their first major trophy in the club's history, and the winger says there is nothing better than playing in these type of matches.

"It's a great day out. There's nothing better than playing in semi-finals and finals. It's about big occasions like this, the club wants to be striving for the best, and to do that you've got to put yourself out there and it's exactly what we're doing. Although it's a different fixture, it's a home semi-final. We've got 80 minutes to drive it in, and we could be looking at another final."