Exeter Chiefs Coach Appleby Lauds Team’s ‘Tremendous’ Showing in Saracens Victory

Susie Appleby, who has served as Exeter Chiefs Women’s head coach since the club’s formation in 2020, commended her team’s second-half display in their 29-12 triumph over Saracens. This match was a significant top-of-the-table encounter in Premiership Women’s Rugby. After holding a 17-12 lead at halftime, the Chiefs prevented Saracens from scoring any points in the second half at Sandy Park, securing their fifth consecutive victory of the current season. This win propelled Exeter to the top of the league standings, establishing a three-point lead over Sarries and a six-point advantage over the reigning champions, Gloucester-Hartpury, who are in third place. Appleby conveyed to BBC Radio Devon, “We showed up and we delivered pretty much what we asked for. I thought the second half was going to be as tight as the first half, I said to Steve [Salvin, assistant coach] at half-time I’d take that scoreline and take the win. To do what we what did in the second half was tremendous.” Following the break, Eilidh Sinclair and Hope Rogers scored tries, contributing to Exeter’s third bonus-point victory of the season and ensuring Saracens departed London without any points. Appleby further stated, “There’s still massive room for improvement, that’s the exciting bit, because some of our game management wasn’t great. But there were tremendous performances from individuals and we’ll take that and move forward. The front row were unbelievable – that’s where it starts and that’s where it finishes really, they’re incredible. I think it was a really good all-round team performance. Probably my stand out player was Rachel Johnson, she’s just unbelievable. She does all the simple things really well in combination with Emily Robinson, so probably the back row, but it all starts in the engine room and the front row.”