Exeter Chiefs are working to rediscover their winning mojo

The former Exeter Chiefs lock Chris Bentley looks at the fascinating world of rugby union in his exclusive weekly column for the Express & Echo and DevonLive.

Some spectacular rugby was played last weekend, not least on Twickenham’s hallowed turf.
Such was the drama that commentator Martin Bayfield exclaimed: “These things just don’t happen on a rugby pitch!” He wasn’t wrong.
England’s 10-try thriller saw the lead change hands four times in a frantic final 12 minutes, leaving the 81,000-plus crowd breathless, stunned, but thoroughly entertained.
Despite the excitement, England’s ‘Sweet Chariot’ heartbreakingly crashed again as Australian winger Max Jorgensen’s 84th-minute try sealed a 42-37 victory for the Wallabies.
Entering the match as 5-1 favourites, England’s defeat wasn’t even the biggest shock of the week. That title went to Fiji, whose historic 24-19 win over Warren Gatland’s misfiring Wales will no doubt be celebrated as a national holiday in Suva.
As for Wales, a nuts-and-bolts rethink is long overdue after suffering their 10th defeat on the trot.
Credit where it’s due: Fiji’s win wasn’t down to luck. The Pacific Islanders rose above the vast disparities in funding and resources to outplay Wales in every facet of the game.
Ireland’s tenure as the world’s No 1 team came to an end on Friday with a 13-23 loss to a new-look, fast-developing New Zealand side.
Unlike Twickenham’s high-scoring spectacle, this was a masterclass in pace, precision, and heroic defence. Unbroken plays often stretched to two minutes of lung-busting action – a showcase of rugby at its finest.
Meanwhile, Eddie Jones endured a nightmare in Paris as France thrashed his Japan side 52-12. Despite a spirited effort, Japan simply couldn’t match the power and intensity of the French.
Since the advent of pay-to-view channels, rugby fans have been treated to a deluge of matches in a relentless 12-month calendar.
For England supporters, however, the focus remains firmly on the home nations – and things aren’t looking rosy.
England have won just one of their last six matches; a narrow victory over Japan. While there have been flashes of potential, they remain frustratingly inconsistent. Two weeks ago, they came agonisingly close to beating the All Blacks, and on Saturday, were seconds away from toppling Australia.
Elite-level rugby is unforgiving, judged on wins rather than near misses or attractive play.
Steve Borthwick’s tenure as England coach is under scrutiny. Despite moments of brilliance, England lack the confidence, belief, and winning mentality needed at this level.
With world champions South Africa up next, the pressure is on. England must prove they can match and surpass the Springboks’ physicality.
Wales, under Gatland, are in a similarly precarious position. Despite his impressive CV, patience in the Principality is wearing thin. North of the border, Gregor Townsend’s Scotland remain the perennial ‘glorious losers’.
Against South Africa, Scotland matched the Springboks’ renowned physicality for much of the game, even when reduced to 14 men. However, the strain of being a man down and the introduction of South Africa’s fearsome ‘Bomb Squad’ off the bench proved too much. Scotland’s valiant effort ended in a 32-15 defeat.
The Scots did, however, dispel the myth of South African forwards’ invincibility. While formidable, the Springbok pack is not unbeatable, as Scotland so ably demonstrated. Now it’s England’s turn to take up the challenge and prove their forwards can outmuscle the best.
Rounding off the international action, Argentina impressed with a 52-18 win over Italy and France saw off Japan 52-12.
Looking ahead, week three promises even more drama. Ireland host Argentina on Friday, while Saturday’s highlights include England vs South Africa at Twickenham, France vs New Zealand in Paris, and Wales vs Australia in Cardiff, where Gatland desperately needs a win. Italy face Georgia in what could be a preview of a Six Nations shake-up.
On the domestic front, Rob Baxter appears to have drawn inspiration from legendary NFL coach Vince Lombardi. Renowned for his winning record and memorable quotes, Lombardi famously said: “Winning is not a sometime thing; it’s an all-the-time thing.” Baxter’s Exeter Chiefs are embracing this mentality as they work to rediscover their winning mojo.
After a sluggish start to the Premiership season, the Chiefs are using the less intense Premiership Cup to address weaknesses and rebuild confidence. Last Saturday, they fielded a strong side and thrashed Hartpury 54-3 at Sandy Park. The Chiefs travel to Gloucester on Friday for round thre Some spec
The Chiefs travel to Gloucester on Friday for round three of the Premiership Cup. Expect Baxter to field another strong line-up as his side continue to build momentum.
Until next time, enjoy your rugby and stay safe.