Baxter is looking for a big performance from Chiefs

Exeter Chiefs' head coach Rob Baxter says his team will have to produce a "big performance" if they are to overcome defending champions Harlequins in their latest Aviva Premiership fixture tomorrow (3pm).

Undone 30-8 at Leicester Tigers a week ago, Baxter is hoping for an immediate riposte from his side as they prepare to welcome Conor O'Shea's men to Sandy Park for the third time in the top flight.

Like the Chiefs, Harlequins also came unstuck last time out, losing their unbeaten tag for the season at home to Saracens. However, Baxter knows all too well the threat posed by the Londoners and has warned his troops to prepare for battle.

"We know they are a very good side, who have developed a swagger about themselves and who are confident," said Baxter. "They're confident in the way they play and they've developed all areas of their game. They are certainly exciting across the board and they play high tempo rugby, which is backed up with a good set-piece, so that is what makes them dangerous.

"To compete against them you have to be on top of your game right across the pitch - and that means defensively you've got to be very sound and switched on. Like a lot of teams, we know what is coming from them, but that is kind of what their strength is at the minute. It doesn't really matter that you know what is coming, it's how you deal with it and that is always the mark of a good side.

"At the same time, however, we like to think we are doing similar and that we've added bits to our game all the time. We've beaten them here before, but it will take another big performance to do that again. You can't expect to walk over any team - you have to turn up, get it right, and that gives you a chance. If you don't do that, well you can't expect anything from the game."

Last Saturday was the first time the Chiefs finished without any form of reward from a game this term - and Baxter says a detailed debrief with his players this week has hopefully addressed some of the issues which were highlighted at Welford Road.

"We doubled up on mistakes or frustrating errors quite often in the game, which if you do that you can't build any pressure," said the Exeter coach. "We all understand that and we've had a chat about it this week. Yes, we were disappointed with the end result, but we understand the reasons as well.

"I also know we are a team who can bounce back and play alot better. Again it's part of our overall development and right now we are in a transitional phase as a team. We no longer look at being a side who are desperate to avoid relegation - instead I think we are more ambitious and we want a bit more. But by wanting to be more ambitious you will take some hits and Saturday we took a hit."

Certainly the trip to Leicester proved a bruising encounter not only in the minds of the Exeter players, but also that of their bodies and it appears Baxter has duly taken note as he makes a string of changes to his line-up.

Skipper Tom Hayes and James Scaysbrook - both of whom were due to feature in their 50th consecutive Premiership appearance for the Devon club - have both been given tomorrow off, as has fellow forward Chris Whitehead. That means coming into the pack are Australian international lock Dean Mumm (for his Chiefs debut), flanker Ben White and hooker Simon Alcott (first Premiership start).

Behind, there are also changes where Gareth Steenson takes over in the No.10 jersey from Ignacio Mieres and Phil Dollman is given the nod ahead of Sireli Naqelevuki in the midfield. On the bench, Neil Clark appears for the first time this season, whilst Academy product Dave Ewers has also been called up following some notable performances for the Braves.

Despite the changes, Baxter admits it's an exciting blend of talent at his disposal and he is looking for his side to kick on further in the league, before then moving on to back-to-back dates in Europe against Leinster and Clermont Auvergne.

"We are pretty much on track in terms of where we want to be," said Baxter. "Obviously we would have liked to have beaten both London Welsh and Northampton, but you have to take the reasons for it on the chin and look to move forward. As always we are learning as we go along and this week is yet another important game for us."

Tomorrow's encounter marks the middle point of what has been described by the media as a 'daunting' five-game run of fixtures for the Chiefs, but Baxter says he and his players are relishing the various challenges.

He continued: "For me there are two ways of looking at these games, you can look at them and be daunted and worry about it - or you can look at them and get excited and say this is how I want to challenge myself as a player and as a coach. For supporters, how much better does it get? We have Harlequins this week, Leinster next and then we're back here for Clermont.

"I personally think it's fantastic and it's what high level sport is all about. I often say to get better, both individually and as a group, you can only do that by experiencing something full on - and that means going flat out for 80 minutes; getting involved in everything you can within the game; and that's how you learn. If you watch the game go on all around you, the experience becomes a waste of time and you won't have learnt anything. As I said, we want to make sure these games make us a better team and when we attack games like that, I know we are a good competitive team. Then if we're competitive, exciting things happen for us."

Tickets for tomorrow's game are available either online through the official Exeter Chiefs' website or by calling into the Trading Post, which is open today from 10am to 4pm. The main ticket office will be open tomorrow from 12 noon.

CHIEFS SIDE TO FACE HARLEQUINS

15 Luke Arscott

14 Ian Whitten

13 Phil Dollman

12 Jason Shoemark

11 Matt Jess

10 Gareth Steenson

9 Haydn Thomas

1 Brett Sturgess

2 Simon Alcott

3 Carl Rimmer

4 Dean Mumm