Exeter Chiefs in better place for Prem Rugby Cup final, says Rob Baxter

Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter thinks his side are in a “different place” to the team that lost last year’s Prem Rugby Cup final as they prepare for Sunday’s showpiece against Leicester Tigers.

Chiefs suffered a 48-14 defeat by eventual treble-winners Bath at Sandy Park last March, conceding 31 points without reply after half-time.

Exeter’s better league campaign this season has helped form the basis of another strong domestic cup run.

And after overpowering Northampton Saints in the semi-finals at the weekend, Baxter is confident his side will put in a much better performance than they did 12 months ago.

“I just think we’re in a different place,” Baxter told BBC Radio Devon.

“On paper, we may not be able to pick as strong a team as we did for last year’s final, and yet I feel we are in a way better place.

“And that sort of shows the emotional energy and the vibe that surrounds the place at the moment.

“The guys have got smiles on their faces at just the right time.

“When you start to look forward to things, instead of being worried about things, it’s a total different environment.

“At different times this competition has been important to us in different ways.

“The first time we won this competition [2013-14], it kick-started that chat about winning things, and as the group grows and has more expectation on each other, that adds to everything you can achieve as a group.”

Baxter confirmed prop Jimmy Roots and back Zack Wimbush are out of the game at Mattioli Woods Welford Road due to injury.

“Jimmy Roots has a pretty bad injury, he has lacerations through and around his ear,” Baxter said.

“Zack Wimbush came off [at the weekend] due to a foot injury so we’re picking up injuries as we go.”

Baxter added back-row pair Richard Chapstick and Christ Tshiunza have returned to training and are available to be selected for Sunday’s final.