Player interview | Jenkins on Chiefs' "special group"

Before the Saracens’ victory last weekend, Dafydd Jenkins was very clear on what he and his teammates needed to achieve to put themselves in with the best chance of securing the last of four play-off berths.

Jenkins said: “In terms of what we said at the start of the season, we wanted to get top four and this game could put us in there. I think, in a similar way to Leicester Tigers last week, Saracens are very good at set-piece time. I think they've developed that open sort of rugby as well. They have many threats, but we've looked at those and I think we can challenge and eradicate those.

“I haven't been part of a PREM semi-final since I've been here, so it's something I've really wanted to experience. I think if you get there, anyone on their day can win it. It's a different type of rugby...finals footy. I think the season we've put in, we know nothing's given to you in this league, so we're going to have to go out there and earn that last win. It’s genuinely exciting being a part of this group that could go on and win silverware.”

From the team that came together last June for a grueling pre-season, including daily 07:30 cardiovascular challenges in the bowels of the Sandy Park stadium, Rob Baxter’s men have developed into a truly cohesive unit.

Just how tight knit is this group that Jenkins is a part of? One that incorporates so many ages, nationalities, cultures and experience levels.

He said: “This group we’ve got is class. I know every team probably says it, but we definitely have a buy-in from all the boys. We make that extra effort and spend time with each other; it helps that we all live so close, so we can sort of drop anything and all get together.

“It's definitely a special group. One of the closest groups I've ever been a part of. The boys that are staying want to finish on a high to send the boys that are leaving away with that.”

At just 23 years old, it is a weighty responsibility for Jenkins to carry the match captaincy in such a fiercely competitive league, especially when the likes of club captain Jack Yeandle are currently injured. However, he feels that bond shared amongst players makes the job easier.

Jenkins said: “When the boys are willing to work for each other, you don't really need to make the point about working hard because it's a given. We’re there for each other as teammates and as good mates.”

Thus, it will surely be with a tinge of sadness that Chiefs have to bid farewell to a handful of players this weekend. Players like Christ Tshiunza, Jenkins’ close friend, fellow academy graduate and Welsh teammate, will pull on the black Chiefs home shirt for the final time.

Jenkins agreed: “Yeah, it's a bit tough. I think it was definitely one of the most emotional leavers’ lunches I’ve been a part of, hearing all the boys’ speeches. Some of these boys, we’ve been playing together since we were 18 or even before that, so we’ve come all the way through the ranks together.

“So, it's really sad to see them go, but I think the best thing I could do for those boys is give everything I can to win silverware so they can have great memories of this place. I’m really excited to see what the boys who are leaving can go on to do with their careers because they're all class acts.”

There is plenty of talent and promise remaining in Devon next season, not least Jenkins’ newest second row partner, Andrea Zambonin.

The Italian international, who joined Chiefs ahead of the current campaign from Zebre Rugby, has been somewhat of a revelation in the Exeter shirt. A fierce lineout competitor, a dedicated pillar of the pack and a favourite among teammates, Jenkins has thoroughly enjoyed striking up a partnership with Zambonin.

He said: “It's been really good playing together. He's developed my game in terms of lineout and other little areas across the field as well, which I'm very thankful for. I think we complement each other quite well. He's obviously a class player in his own right and we're lucky to have him down here.

“He’s a great bloke off the pitch as well, someone the boys really enjoy being around and playing with. I think he's played out of his skin this year. He was probably not as well-known over in England or Wales, but I think he's really put his name on the map, and he deserves everything he's got because he's such a good bloke and a very hard worker.”

Of course, they are just two individual cogs in the machine that is the Chiefs pack and the starting XV as a whole. The forwards, under the stewardship of coaches Ross McMillan and Glen Townson, have at times been indominable. What has that group been like to be a part of?

Jenkins said: “I think most packs in the PREM think they’re in their prime, probably like to see themselves as dominant and physical. We like to think the same. I think our forwards all complement each other. I know I strive to work hard for the other boys and I'm pretty sure they're all the same and that's why we work so well as a cohesive unit.

“I think the depth this year as well, the competition boys have, pushing each other to get those starting shirts and the bench has been really good. I feel lucky to be a part of all that.”

Read the full article and more in our matchday programme here.