Sheedy calls for Bears to rise to Chiefs challenge

The Bears head into the game targeting an eighth successive win the Gallagher Premiership, but Sheedy says they will need to bring their ‘A game’ against a ‘ruthless’ Chiefs side.

'Under no illusions'

“Seven wins in a row is a nice thing for history, but moving forward, we want to be where Exeter are in the years to come,” said Sheedy.

“We’ve got nothing but respect for what they’ve done and where they’ve come from, and we know it’s going to be a huge challenge, both physically and mentally. They are a team who are pretty ruthless for 80 minutes, so we’re under no illusions – it’s going to be a mammoth task but we’re looking forward to it.

“Exeter don’t have many weaknesses, their power game is one of their strengths and they’re a momentum team, but then they’ve also got some world class backs. They can fire whenever they want and that’s the biggest challenge when you play Exeter – you’ve got to be on your game for 80 minutes.”

Room for improvement

Despite leaving Kingsholm with a bonus-point win, Sheedy insists there is still room for improvement for the Bears, as they prepare for a rare midweek league clash.

“It was quite weird; the changing room was actually pretty flat after the Gloucester game, although we got five points which is what we set out to do,” he said.

“I think when you break down the performance, there was some good in there but there was also plenty of work ons, which we’ve addressed in the short turnaround.

“Right now, my days all mould into one – I’m not sure what day it is. It’s why we play the game, to be able to play this many games is exciting and it’s a great challenge, which the boys are relishing.”