Oscar Wilde said: "The English and Americans are two nations separated by a common language."
It's an observation that perhaps goes further than just words. Whereas Uncle Sam delights in celebrating success, our English psyche often revels in punishing failure. There was no such dilemma at Sandy Park on Saturday, where a thumping 33-13 European Challenge Cup success deserves celebrating whatever your ethnicity.
There was still more for the Chiefs to celebrate with news that Stuart Lancaster added Dave Ewers, Henry Slade and that force of nature we know as Thomas Waldrom to the England training squad for the autumn internationals.
With Jack Nowell already in the squad, the Chiefs' England international contingency has grown to four and could well have been greater with others knocking on the door and Tom Johnson recovering from injury.
Youngsters Jack Innard, Sam Skinner and Stu Townsend have graduated to the England under-20s squad, maintaining a rich line of Chiefs talent lining up to feature on the international stage.
Sitting third in the Aviva Premiership, top of our European Challenge Cup group, Exeter players increasingly featured in England international selection at all levels, deep-rooted quality oozing from every corner of Sandy Park – there is good reason for a little star-spangled banner, glittering lights and tinsel-style stateside celebration here in deepest Devon.
Now back to earth, we are after all English from the South West where completing a proper job means keeping our feet on the ground and our head out of the clouds.
Chapter three of the season opens on Saturday with the visit of Gloucester to Sandy Park. OK, just a little more chest puffing then – the Chiefs are current LV= Cup champions and looking to open our defence of the silverware with a win over the Cherry & Whites.
Now let's reflect for a moment on our win over Connacht. Coach Rob Baxter's front line Chiefs engaged a gear that Connacht couldn't live with. Our high tempo offence really hurts teams, but more obvious this week was the pressing defence that choked the visitors from the Emerald Isle on their first breath. Total rugby at its finest!
Sam Hill was at his wrecking ball best and provided a perfect foil for the guile of the super duo of Slade and Steenson in the backline, while the Tank Thomas Waldrom and Predator Dave Ewers were irresistible in the back row.
It was also great to see Moray Low make his first start at Sandy Park and to see the Scotland international anchoring the scrum while stamping his trademark impact around the pitch.
Yes, we have stand-out players in our ranks, but let there be no mistake, it's the team ethos and effort that defines the character that is Exeter Chiefs.
There was a cracker of a Devon derby at Rackerhayes, where Newton Abbot entertained the Mighty Muff in National Three South West action.
Previously unbeaten Exmouth started well to go 18 points clear and looked on course for an eighth straight win, but this is Devon where pride and fighting spirit runs deep. The famous All Whites rallied to score two quick tries, clawing their way back into the game.
It was to prove a turning point as both teams gave their all in a thrilling contest. The Mighty Muff had several scoring chances, the statistics showing the Cockles camped in Newton's 22 for some 10 minutes of attacking play without adding to their score. Credit indeed to a solid All Whites defence.
The Cockles' game again went right to the wire, with the result in doubt right up until the final whistle. In the event, Exmouth came second for the first time this season as Newton Abbot deservedly edged a 27-25 win.
Chiefs CEO Tony Rowe is not a man to make a fuss, but I think you would all want to join me in extending best wishes to the big man for a speedy recovery from his knee surgery.
I often refer to the rugby family and jumping 18,000 miles across the globe it was evidenced again.
My old club Tasman Makos travelled to Taranaki to play in the NPC final in the famous Taranaki stadium last weekend.
A huge contingent of Makos fans from Nelson and Blenheim made the trip to the game. Such was the demand that local hotels sold out leaving 'no room at the inn' signs for scores of Tasman fans to see. However, the Taranaki rugby family opened their arms and hearts to billet Makos fans providing beds in their own homes! Don't you just love this game?
On the topic of the rugby family opening hearts and arms, is it not time we saw David Rose back in the family, whistle in mouth, expertly refereeing rugby games as he has done so for years?
Having risen through the levels with Rosey over 14 years ago, I think it's a real shame that he is not getting a run at the elite level.
Returning to the Gloucester v Devon theme this weekend, Exmouth entertain Old Centralians on Saturday.
Yours truly is pleased to report I was able to train with my Cockles teammates this week as my muscle spasm has sorted itself out. I'm on duty at Sandy Park for the LV= Cup game and unavailable for Exmouth selection this week but, to those who are not coming to Sandy Park, I urge you to get along to the Imperial Ground to support our Exmouth boys, please note the early kick-off at 2pm.
We have an interesting accent down here in the South West, but unlike the divisions Oscar Wilde referred to between the British bulldog and Uncle Sam, our rugby family speaks the same universal language. Honest endeavour, firm commitment and passion on the field: friendship and fellowship off the field. As the Chiefs motto declares 'always loyal'.
Until the next time, stay safe and enjoy your rugby.
