Talking points: Exeter Chiefs (h) - Gallagher Premiership

'Chiefs the team to beat'

Pat Lam on Chiefs' success: “Exeter are always a dangerous team. They are European champions, Premiership champions – they are the team. Rob (Baxter) and Ali Hepher have done a tremendous job – the two of them have worked well together and I was so pleased for them last year with what they achieved.

"They certainly had their chances against Leinster, and we were disappointed for them, and we were obviously gutted to be knocked out of the Champions Cup as well. You always want the Premiership teams to go through and we all missed good chances to do it.

‘An exciting step’

John Afoa on being appointed Scrum Coach alongside his playing duties from the start of the 2021/22 season: “This is an exciting step for me personally and I’m grateful to Pat for the opportunity. There’s a significant responsibility and it’s one that I’m relishing alongside representing the Bears on the field.

“We’ve developed a good reputation with our scrum so the impetus is on me to build on that and work with the guys to continue our growth in that area.”

'Down to the wire'

Pat Lam on Friday's clash: “Now, our focus is on trying to get to the top of the Premiership mountain, and these guys (Exeter) are the guys who have been there for the last few years and we’ve always had big games against them.

“Rob’s created a good template and they’ve got an identity and a game they want to play, so that gives everyone clarity. They’ve got good leadership and they’ve got continuity.

“In all my time here, all but one of the games have been decided by one-score. We got out to two scores the last time we played them, but we’re expecting much of the same again – a really good battle that goes right down to the wire.”