• Joe Marler would make World Cup return in ‘SOS scenario’
Exeter’s director of rugby, Rob Baxter, has hit back at accusations his side’s style of play is boring, urging critics to “open your eyes”. The Chiefs face Saracens in the Premiership final for the third time in four years on Saturday having scored the most tries this season, but their power game and a penchant for lineout drives has led to claims they are one-dimensional.
After Northampton were beaten by Exeter for the second week running last Saturday, the Saints director of rugby, Chris Boyd, questioned: “If they don’t get parity against sides, what does their game look like?” The New Zealander went on to state the importance of teams who play “with a little more optimism” closing the gap on Exeter and Saracens – a comment which has clearly riled Baxter.
Written by Gerard Meagher
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/may/29/rob-baxter-exeter-joe-marler-world-cup under the title “‘Open your eyes’: Rob Baxter hits back at Northampton over Exeter playing style”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
