White set for Euro test
By Mark Stevens
12/10/17
Nic White says Exeter Chiefs will need to ‘find another gear’ as they look to make their mark on this season’s European Champions Cup.
The reigning English champions will kick-off life in Pool 3 of this season’s competition on Saturday night (7:45pm), when they play host to Scottish rivals Glasgow Warriors.
In what should be a mouth-watering showdown between two of Europe’s most attacking sides, Rob Baxter’s side will be looking to build on last weekend’s home win over in-form Newcastle Falcons and use it as the springboard for a big push towards success in the Champions Cup.
“It’s very important we start with a bang,” said Aussie international White. “We need to focus on ourselves first and foremost and find another level from within. The first six weeks of the season have flown by, but now we have to find another gear for Europe.”
As one of six new faces brought to Sandy Park this summer, White has settled well into his new surroundings, showing the kind of performances that brought him to the attentions of Baxter and the Exeter coaching staff.
“Coming here to Exeter is everything I expected and more,” added the former Brumbies and Montpellier scrum-half. “As the results have shown so far, anyone can beat anyone, home or away, and each week In the Premiership is a challenge. You know you have to be on top of your game, but we’ve started well and it’s given us something to work with.
“Now, we’ve got to move on and look to step up in Europe. If you look at the pool, we’ve got three very tough opponents, but equally we were champions of England last season. What we have to do is focus on ourselves, what we can bring to games, and up the levels going into this weekend.
“Saturday’s game should be a cracker, but I do feel there is plenty more to come from us. Being at home is huge in this first game and we’ve got to make it count. The crowd have been awesome so far this season and they are like a 16th man for us, especially when the old Tomahawk Chop is going!
“As players it helps give you that little bit extra, especially close to the line, and shows how much the team mean to them.”