So, it's Welford Road in the semi-final of the LV= Cup for Exeter Chiefs. Our largely young LV= squad were beaten by an irresistible Saracens side on Sunday to deny us a home semi but, having already qualified, the opportunity is there for the travelling Tribe to visit that Midland rugby cathedral in Leicester for another mouth-watering encounter with the Tigers for Devon's top team.
Yes, Sarries proved just too good at Allianz Park once England international Alex Goode came on to take the No. 10 berth for the Fez Men, but we can draw a lot of positives from the encounter. It was a massive learning curve for so many developing Chiefs and a welcome return to form for Tom Johnson, who continues his recovery from surgery. Indeed, there were big performances from loads of our lads – I was particularly impressed with the form of Sam Skinner, who looks every inch a thoroughbred.
Talking inches, they don't come much bigger than fellow lock Will Carrick-Smith. I know how tough it is for a young man to progress through the ranks as a second row. Watching Sunday's game, one wonders whether we might just have been watching two international stars of tomorrow in Will and his Sarries counterpart Maro Itoje. These are early days I know, but who knows what the future holds?
As for the present, England grabbed an important win at the Millennium Stadium as Ireland and France struggled to show their best. A much-improved Scotland appear to be on the up as do Italy, but it is a muscley England who I think have inched ahead as probable Championship favourites.
Six Nations rugby has never been bigger. Its importance, like the FA Cup, is emphasised by a BBC keen to maximise coverage of any elite-level sport that escapes the budget of the pay-for-view broadcasters. With the World Cup looming ever closer, rugby's evolution continues to develop as never before. Let there be no mistake, the Chiefs' success in recent years has succeeded in promoting Exeter, Devon and our South West community to be big players on the main stage.
Rugby matters greatly to yours truly, and the Exmouth team on Saturday. National Three South West is a country mile in standard from the elite-level game, but the principles, passions and endeavour remain the same.
Faced with an opening onslaught by a feisty Hornets, the Muff were not so mighty as we fell 14-0 behind in the first 10 minutes. Matters got worse for the Cockles cause when yours truly was shown yellow for some inexplicable reason. The ensuing penalty was awarded in favour of the Cockles but I, bleeding mouth and all, was dispatched for 10 minutes to the bin.
Cutting to the chase, Jon Hill's Exmouth fronted up to show maturity, character and dogged determination to grab a 20-19 win with a drop goal deep into injury time. Yes, rugby certainly mattered to us on Saturday as it did to the officials and thousands of players of all ages who turned out, as they do every weekend, to play this wonderful game.
The powers that be are shaping a new format from the third level down in two years' time. Rugby – like life itself – does not stand still, with the rules of natural selection playing a big part in the final outcomes. Only the fittest survive to go on to thrive and enjoy the fruits of success. It comes at a price and one hopes our rugby fathers in high places provide a recipe for all to succeed relative to their aspirations and station.
Hey ho, I'm philosophising again – time to get back to certainties. Dean Richards' Newcastle Falcons are a certain reality coming to Sandy Park on Saturday as Premiership action returns. With success and failure in elite-level sport decided by the narrowest of margins, every game matters and every point counts.
We're getting down to the business end of the season and will be looking for league points in Saturday's rehearsal for our European Challenge Cup quarter-final. It's an opportunity to wear our feelings on our sleeves and raise the tomahawk chop loud and clear for all to hear. We're all in this together Devon, the journey continues.
And finally, one of the most famous readers of this column, our very own Thomas Waldrom, has been in touch to pass his verdict on my weekly musings.
Following the award of the Everyman Inspiration Big Bong in my new year's honours, the Tank has in fact been catching up every week with thumbs up or thumbs down.
Surprisingly enough, last week garnered a positive response but he has decided to go one step further by offering to answer one question and one question only from a reader about anything to do with rugby.
In light of this, I would suggest sending your questions to @ccbentos with #askthetank. He was also keen to add the caveat of a cream tea and scone from a friendly supporter to keep up his portly frame!
I look forward to seeing as manmy of you as possible at Sandy Park on Saturday evening, where we can unite as one to tell the nation that we are the Exeter Chiefs and we are serious about the business in which we are becoming very good.
Until the next time, stay safe and enjoy your rugby.
