Kitlinski expects response from Chiefs
By Harry Scott-Munro
27/3/21
American international Joanna Kitlinski believes that “the versatility” within the Exeter Chiefs Women’s side has been what has allowed them to remain so competitive throughout their debut campaign in the Allianz Premier 15s.
Despite only arriving at the club in January, alongside international team-mate Rachel Johnson and Irish winger Laura Sheehan, Kitlinski admits that she has had one eye on the performances of the Chiefs since the start of the season, with her American team-mates Kate Zackary, Jennine Duncan and Gabby Cantorna having been a part of the club since the start of their journey this season.
“It's exciting. I've followed the league prior to this, but especially with Exeter having some of my US team-mates here,” she said. “It was really exciting to follow that and see how cohesive the team has gotten. I had the excitement to come here and play some rugby since in the US we don't really have anything going on right now.”
Despite a first defeat since December last weekend against reigning champions Saracens, Kitlinski is adamant that the “mood hasn’t really changed” within the squad, instead choosing to focus on righting the wrongs of that performance against Loughborough Lightning at Sandy Park today (3pm).
“We were definitely disappointed with the loss,” she added. “It was a tough game, obviously we went in at the end of the first half with points on the board and winning, but it was just that change in momentum. Saracens are a strong side. I think everyone was disappointed but we went over the analysis and I think everyone is ready for this weekend and we're focused for the next game.”
Today’s encounter against Loughborough is realistically win or bust for Susie Appleby’s side in their bid to reach the play-offs - and Kitlinski admits that she has had one eye on the permutations but insists that the result is the most important thing, having suffered defeat to the visitors earlier in the season.
“With the points being so close, we only have three games left. The win is definitely important for making the play-offs, but so is keeping them from getting bonus points. There's a lot at play but we're really excited that it's a home game, there's a lot of support being here (at Sandy Park) and not on the road so it's going to be a really great game to watch.”
Kitlinski arrived in Devon with the aim of getting much-needed minutes under her belt in preparation for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, but with the tournament now delayed by a year, the hooker says her sole focus is on club matters moving forward.
“The World Cup is a little disappointing and changes a lot of people's plans. It puts things on hold, but it also allows us with such a huge break in play to prepare for next year. With 2023 and everything going on, it's just so exciting for the growth of the game in the future,” she explained.
“The visibility and having more people able to watch our games and have things streamed will continue to grow that. Even in the US there's been a lot of interest in keeping up with the league.”
Supporters will be able to watch the livestream of today’s encounter with Loughborough Lightning via the club YouTube channel, with kick-off at 3pm.
