Non-stop Nowell loving life
By Mark Stevens
17/9/17
Jack Nowell says he and his Exeter Chiefs team-mates have already set their sights on the impending visit of Wasps to Sandy Park this Sunday (3pm).
Less than an hour after helping the reigning champions collect their second Aviva Premiership win of the season at Worcester Warriors, the England and British Lions winger was already looking to the future.
In what will be the first meeting since May’s Premiership Final at Twickenham, Nowell is readying himself for another battle royale between the two sides.
“We have got three days off now, with it being a Sunday game, and we will use that to our advantage and rest up and get ready for it,” explained Nowell. “We know it is going to be a difficult game, but it is at Sandy Park and we are looking forward to it.
“We always like playing at home, the place will be bouncing and bumping and to have a repeat of the final again is going to be good for us.”
The Chiefs, however, will head into the game in buoyant mood having secured back-to-back wins, the latest of which came with Friday night’s 41-10 success over winless Worcester at Sixways.
Nowell, who collected his first try of the campaign in his side’s five-try success, was delighted with the victory and praised the all-round performance of the Devon club post-match.
“Any win away from home in the Premiership is good, but to pick up five points is where you want to be,” said Nowell.
“We didn’t really get into our game at Gloucester in our opening match of the season and our defence was a bit off, but we are definitely getting into our stride now and picking up our performances. To get a win at Worcester, who are always a tough team, is good for us.”
Nowell’s first half score was eclipsed, however, by young No.8 Sam Simmonds, who again bagged a brace on the night and took his scoring tally to 11 tries in 15 first team games.
Like the Cornishman, Simmonds is a product of the club’s hugely successful Academy system and Nowell is liking what he sees from the powerful forward, who has started the new season in fine form.
“Simmo is class and he has been doing that for us for the last couple of seasons now,” said Nowell. “The pace and power he has got is good for the team, and he adds to our back row, and he keeps scoring tries.”
With four tries already on the board this season, Simmonds is clearly relishing his rugby - as are other members of the Chiefs team, including Nowell and lock Jonny Hill, who also claimed his maiden Premiership try in Friday’s win.
“It is always good to get off the mark,” added Nowell. “Watching Jonny Hill running down the wing and scoring his first try for the club was like watching Damian Welch from a couple of years ago against Bath. We love playing a bit of rugby and love putting our forwards on the wings and seeing them finish like that.”
As well as loving life with the Chiefs, Nowell is still living off what was a memorable last season for the player. Not only did he win the Premiership title with Exeter, scoring in the final against Wasps, but he was part of the England team who retained their Six Nations title, and then figured in two of the three tests for the Lions against world champions New Zealand.
Nowell said: “It has been pretty mental and non-stop for me. I had five weeks off after getting back from New Zealand, but it is pretty hard sitting back and watching the boys doing pre-season and the pre-season games as well, so I was itching to get back involved with the team, and I have just got to get my fitness back a bit now.”