Van der Velden poised for capital test
By Harry Scott-Munro
18/9/21
Linde van der Velden has spoken of the excitement that exists within the Exeter Chiefs Women’s campa ahead of their crunch Allianz Premier 15s clash with Harlequins Women today (3pm).
The all-action No.8 returns to the starting line-up this afternoon as Susie Appleby’s side look to build on last weekend’s highly impressive 54-0 demolition of Sale Sharks.
In a polished performance from the Devonians, they were able to write the wrongs of their opening day defeat to Bristol Bears with a superb eight-try victory.
Today, however, the challenge awaiting the Chiefs is very real, especially against the defending champions who have started with two victories and run up over 100 points already.
Van der Velden, though, is confident the visitors can prevail and admitted that although the Sale win wasn’t quite the perfect performance, it was certainly a step in the right direction.
“It was great to bounce back,” said the Dutch forward. “We weren’t happy with our performance against Bristol and knew we left things out on the field. Against Sale, we really came back firing and it was a great win. There were still a few things that we left out there again, so we’ve had a good look at those, but we’ve focused even more on ourselves ahead of this weekend.”
There is arguably no more challenging an assignment though in Premier 15s rugby than an away trip to the champions. Harlequins have been in rampant form in the early part of the season, securing big wins against Loughborough Lightning and Worcester Warriors.
On both occasions, they have passed the half century mark and, although she was quick to acknowledge Quins’ quality, van der Velden insisted that her side needed to “focus on [their own] strengths.”
“Quins are a great team and it’s going to be a big challenge. But, if we can build on our performance from last week and come fired up, we can definitely look to exploit some weaknesses,” she explained.
“It’s a great opportunity for us, but it’s important that we focus on ourselves and our strengths. It’s just about building and building throughout the season.”
Today’s match will also see the sides come up against each other at the Twickenham Stoop for the first time, with the corresponding fixture having taken place at a sodden Surrey Sports Park last season.
Having experienced women’s rugby at the Stoop before as a spectator, van der Velden was also honest enough to admit her excitement at getting to run out as a player come this afternoon.
“I’ve been there once (as a fan) but it’s going to be great to play there as a player and play with fans. It’s going to be a great experience and hopefully it’ll all come together on Saturday. We’re really excited for it and we’re ready.”