Exeter Chiefs Prepare for Historic Challenge Cup Clash with Munster
Exeter Chiefs are set to host Munster in a highly anticipated EPCR Challenge Cup last 16 encounter this Saturday at Sandy Park, with the match carrying extra significance due to the Devon club's historical admiration for the Irish province. Former Exeter stalwart Gareth Steenson, who will be part of the Premier Sports punditry team for the weekend's coverage, believes this knockout fixture means a great deal more to the Chiefs given their past efforts to emulate Munster's success.
A Model of Inspiration
Gareth Steenson, who spent twelve years at Exeter Chiefs, helping them secure Gallagher Premiership glory and an Investec Champions Cup title before retiring after the 2019/20 season, explained how Munster served as a blueprint during Exeter's rise in the 2010s. "It's a game that I know Exeter will be super excited about. Munster are a team that for years, we used to talk about and tried to mirror a little bit," Steenson said.
He highlighted the similarities between the two clubs, noting their locations away from major urban centres, tribal supporter bases, and shared philosophies. "The clubs have similar ideas, quite far away from a big city, similarly tribal with a supporter base that gets behind the team and I know that there is some great history between the two teams," Steenson added. This backdrop sets the stage for what promises to be a compelling contest, with both teams in strong form and a sell-out crowd expected at Sandy Park.
Exeter's Home Advantage and Recent Form
For Exeter Chiefs, this match marks their first knockout European game at Sandy Park since 2024, when they defeated Bath. The home advantage could prove crucial, as Steenson pointed out: "Chiefs will be happy that it's at Sandy Park, they have been going well recently there." Meanwhile, Munster, having dropped down from the Investec Champions Cup, face a challenging task but are expected to bring intensity to the occasion.
Exeter's resurgence this season, after finishing ninth in the Gallagher Premiership last term, has been partly attributed to the improved performance of fly-half Harvey Skinner. At 28 years old, Skinner is enjoying the best season of his career, with Steenson praising his development. "There seems to be a new lease of life with the players they have got. They have got a really good brand of rugby, Harvey Skinner has really found his feet a little bit," Steenson remarked.
Harvey Skinner's Key Role
Steenson elaborated on Skinner's growth, noting that after playing over a hundred games, the fly-half has embraced his role as the primary playmaker. "He's got to the point where he is probably feeling good about being the number one guy, which is driving the rest," Steenson said. He attributed this to timing and a shift in Exeter's playing style away from a box-kicking approach to one that leverages Skinner's strengths.
"Harvey's strengths are he is a big physical guy and he can be at the line, he's got a lovely passing game and that plays to what the strength is," Steenson explained. Support from players like Henry Slade and Stephen Varney in kicking duties has allowed Skinner to focus on marshalling the team and leading effectively. Steenson also highlighted Skinner's improved mental resilience: "He was quite an emotional player at the start but now he seems to be able to move through mistakes which only makes him more rounded."
Weekend of European Rugby Action
The EPCR Challenge Cup clash is part of a packed Easter weekend of rugby on Premier Sports, featuring eleven live games from the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup last 16 rounds, with quarter-final places at stake. Coverage is available across the UK and Ireland, offering fans the drama of top-tier international club rugby. Viewers can tune in from midday on Saturday for the Exeter Chiefs vs Munster match, with subscription options starting from £11.99 per month.
