Chiefs target Amlin progress

Critics expected the Devon-based club to struggle on both the domestic and continental front but Exeter have surpassed outside expectations with a series of stunning performances.

Currently sitting in eighth place in the Aviva Premiership thanks to five wins from 11 games, the Chiefs are also in a healthy position in the Amlin Challenge Cup.

Head coach Rob Baxter has seen his men record two victories and pick up three bonus points in their first four European matches, leaving them second in Pool 3 with two games remaining

The Chiefs now face a double French test later this month when they host Bourgoin in Round 5 before traveling to pool leaders Montpellier in Round 6.

It's a challenge Baxter is looking forward to, and while defeat at home to Montpellier in Round 1 was disappointing, the second round win in Bourgoin has shown the Chiefs that anything is possible in European competition.

"We are really looking forward to our next set of Amlin and LV= Cup games," said Baxter, whose side beat Newcastle 36-10 in Round 4 and then lost the return leg 26-24 a week later.

"We have an excellent chance to progress in both competitions, in particular the Amlin where we can decide our own destiny with two wins.

"The prospect of playing two French Top 14 sides in consecutive weeks is a really good challenge for us and after our performance in Bourgoin earlier in the season, I know all the players will be highly motivated to perform well.

"We have been receiving great support, both home and away for all our games so far this season, and it would be fantastic if we could put in some big cup performances in front of a big, vocal Sandy Park crowd."