Self belief is key factor - Kvesic
By Mark Stevens
22/11/18
Matt Kvesic insists the ‘self belief’ that exists within the Exeter Chiefs squad was a driving factor in helping them fightback against Bristol Bears in the Gallagher Premiership last weekend.
Entering into the final quarter at Ashton Gate, the visitors trailed 24-12 and were looking on course to suffer their first league defeat of the season.
Rob Baxter’s side, however, are made are stern stuff and having cut the deficit with scores through Santiago Cordero and Jack Yeandle, it took a penalty try - three minutes into added on time - to ensure the Devonians preserved their 100 per cent record and lead at the top of the table.
Exeter’s 31-29 success made it a seventh straight win in the top flight this term, but they were made to fight all the way for their latest success by the Bears.
“It’s a massive win for us,” said Kvesic post-match.“We knew it was always going to be tough. Bristol are a great side with some very good players and they showed that against us.
“Obviously we came into the game on the back of a good block in the Premiership Rugby Cup, but for quite a few of us that was our first game after a decent rest, so we knew it was going to be a big of lung-burner.
“Some may say we poached it at the end, which perhaps we did, but the good thing about us is that often when we’re in tough positions like that, we’re fairly level headed about what we have to do. We’re all very much on the same page and I think that showed towards the end.
“The self belief we have is there and we just had to go and get the win.Everyone knows how important each game is and come the end there today, we were able to pull it off.”
It was indeed a tough pill for the Bears to swallow come the end, but Kvesic admits that he’s had his fair share of similar outcomes in the past and that it’s all very much part and parcel of the game.
“It’s tough for them to take, I’m sure,” said the England international. “But, like I said, they are a top quality outfit and they’ve got lots to show in the Premiership. They put up a hell of a fight against us, but equally we fought right to the end and we got our rewards.”
Helping to ensure the Exeter victory was the Chiefs bench, which included the returning Aussie duo of Dave Dennis and Nic White, as well as the introduction of young props Marcus Street and Billy Keast, the latter of whom was making his Premiership debut.
“I think you’re seeing the depth of our squad,” added Kvesic.“The young boys, especially Keasty on his first game, really stood up and showed what they can do.They’ve obviously been involved in the recent Cup games - but it shows how important those games are - that they’ve come in now and really take their opportunity.
“They certainly warranted their selection, as did the likes of Denno, Whitey and Mitch [Lees] all of whom have been out for a while. It was certainly good to have them back and making a contribution.”
Next up for the table-topping Chiefs is Saturday’s visit of Kvesic’s former club Gloucester to Sandy Park (1pm).
It’s the first of three upcoming fixtures between the two clubs, who are also set to meet on successive weekends next month in the Heineken Champions Cup.
Like many, Kvesic watched on as he Cherry & Whites maintained their place in the top three of the Premiership with a powerful display against visiting Leicester Tigers last Friday night.
“They are playing some scintillating rugby and they were very impressive against Leicester,” warned Kvesic. “Right now, though, we will enjoy our win, take the learnings from the game, then report back ready to work hard for what will be a big game against Gloucester.”