When I shout 'de-fence' I don't mean the wooden structure at the bottom of the garden. I mean rapier-like bone-crunching tackles that resonate off the field right up to the back row of the main stand.
Aggressive defence, so often the foundation for famous victories, has become a Chiefs trademark and offensive defence together with a total team effort was again at the heart of Sunday's win in Ireland.
Granted, our commitment to all-out pressure defence, with lightening line speed, saw us caught out twice and rounded by a jubilant Connacht in the first 40. We also conceded late on when the match was already won but, all things considered, Sunday was a great performance from a resurgent Chiefs who well and truly found the mojo that had been missing in recent weeks.
On Sunday in Galway, a sold-out crowd and thousands more watching on Sunday prime time TV were treated to a pulsating game that had just about everything. The pace, power and intensity that earned success for the Exeter men earlier in the season returned to our ranks. A youthful Chiefs flexed their muscles and powered past a very good Irish side. I mention youth because no less than four of the England team that lifted the 2013 Under-20 World Cup were in the Chiefs' starting line-up.
Sunday was not only a thrilling game but important for both teams as perhaps the most significant tie in the European Challenge Cup thus far.
Such was the confidence and belief flowing through the Chiefs' ranks that early kickable penalties were spurned in favour of short-yard line-out options. Okay, our line-out was not quite functioning as it should, but the ambition was there and the line-out WILL be sorted. What was important in my view of Sunday's classic was a Chiefs team that had regained its confidence, focus and intensity.
Defining our return to form was the outstanding performance of our scrum. Boasting the best set-piece statistics in the Pro12, Connacht were repeatedly forced to concede to the power of our 'fat lads'. Such was our ascendancy in the scrum that a period of sustained forward pressure won a penalty try for the dominant Chiefs pack.
Luke Cowan-Dickie was deservedly named man of the match and inspirational captain Dean Munn capped an outstanding individual performance with a classic interception followed by a 60-metre sprint home for a spectacular score.
Dean's second-row partner, Damian Welch, produced an equally spectacular stumble to prematurely end his own 50-yard gallop. Just like Devon Loch in the 1956 Grand National, one suspects your classic stumble will be remembered long after Dean's try has faded in the mist of history! Nice one, Welchie.
Just may be we are witnessing the foundations of a South West rugby dynasty, time will tell. Yes, we've weaknesses to address and, yes, there is much still to learn, but what is certain is that we're having a five-star ride of passion and excitement together with that special experience that is elite-level sport.
To those who point to our defence being rounded three times on Sunday, I refer to the legendary Anfield chief, Bill Shankly. When his precious Liverpool team were questioned about a shaky defence, the great man defiantly retorted: "If they score four and we score five, does that mean we've won?" I love his simple logic and abrasive confidence such that I dare a second Shankly uttering.
Shortly after arriving at LFC, the legendary Scot shared his dream for Liverpool with his squad. Shankly's words went something like this: "We'll build a team that will be strong and indomitable. We'll turn Anfield into a fortress that opponents will fear, an unshakeable dynasty. Everyone will know that this is Anfield and we are Liverpool." Remember, dear reader, Liverpool were a modest Second Division club when Shankly voiced his dream. The rest is history.
Okay, that was Merseyside a generation ago and this is Devon today, but the similarities are there to see. Honest, workmanlike team play driven by a heart, passion and commitment going off the scale. A never-say-die attitude and the confidence to say we are aiming to reach the heights. Build into the equation the deep-rooted faith and belief required to go out there and actually do it. Wow, it certainly floats my boat and I suspect 12,000-like minded Devonians will be joining me to support the cause on Saturday.
Pulling on my current experiences at Sandy Park and Exmouth, I pen my weekly missive with good intent.
Logically I draw on my 14 years as a professional player in England, France and New Zealand, and also a short sabbatical in Edinburgh Gunners. I've been lucky to live the dream and revel in the privileges enjoyed by the big clubs. I make no excuse for admitting that I've loved it.
My journey continues and it pleases me to share personal experiences with you in my weekly columns in the South West Thunderer, aka the Express & Echo.
I'm often contacted by fans, players and officials from clubs of all levels from the wider rugby family. I'd like to share an extract from a discussion opened by Jerry Rice, the hard working secretary at Honiton RFC. For the record, Jerry is of thoroughbred rugby vintage, his picture still hangs with pride in the corridors of Sandy Park as Jerry, like yours truly, was once a Chief.
Referring to my past articles Jerry suggested: "There never seems to be any mention of the poor clubs that struggle to survive below the Chiefs and Exmouth's level."
Pressing home his point, Jerry focused on grassroots rugby as the breeding ground for developing players to learn the game, with the best coming through on the conveyor belt that feed the ranks of senior rugby clubs. Fair point Jerry.
I'm also drawn to Jerry's description of many smaller clubs "struggling to survive!" It's a subject that both interests and concerns me. Certainly the nation's network of smaller clubs are the bedrock on which our game is founded. Since the progressive demise of competitive school sport, it's fallen on the clubs to provide facilities to introduce youngsters to the game and provide the facilities to foster their development through the age groups to senior rugby.
Where once small clubs regularly fielded three, four and even an 'extra fourth' XV, many today struggle to raise two competitive senior squads. Indeed, were it not for thriving mini and junior sections, many clubs would struggle to thrive. I fear the winds of change will continue to impact on our smaller clubs and the struggle to recruit senior players could get harder still.
Jerry raises some important issues that I agree need discussing by the fathers of our game in a much bigger arena than the paragraphs of my weekly missive. Jerry has thrown down the gauntlet, it will be interesting to hear what others think on the issues raised.
Moving on, Exmouth came back from an early Chard lead to win the day 29-9. It was a workmanlike bonus point win that looks comfortable on paper. In the event it was anything but comfortable as a battling Chard made it a tough for the Cockles.
The traditional South West counties field over 400 teams in more than 35 leagues. On an average Saturday during the season over 7,000 people are playing in matches in the South West section of the English Clubs Championship. From these grassroots, senior clubs right up to England's national team draw their players. To you Jerry and all those serving the game every level you have my respect.
Whatever your level, until next time, stay safe and enjoy your rugby.
