Exeter Chiefs’ scrum half Nic White may be new to the Premiership but knows a thing or two about rugby rivalries. His new side’s maiden Premiership victory against Wasps in May could well be the start of a famous rivalry.
Exeter come face to face with a Wasps side that took them all the way in that memorable final, on Sunday at Sandy Park.
Australian White knows Wasps will be out to avenge that loss. In doing so, the Chiefs will be prepared to go to all extremes to maintain top spot.
“The way down here is to go to a dark place, work hard and get the rewards.
“What a challenge in Wasps – a rematch of the final. Two teams going toe to toe in two different styles of attack” said White.
“The danger of Wasps is that X Factor. They’ve got guys that can create something from nothing.
White added “They’ve got big guys and quick guys out wide that go for it early, you’ve got to look out for that and nullify those.
“We’re willing to go to those dark places to get those rewards.”
No Easy Week
The Chiefs sit top of the Premiership ahead of round four after two wins and the opening round loss to Gloucester.
A win against Wasps, who are one point adrift of Exeter, will see them maintain their advantage over the rest of the field.
But the former Montpellier and Brumbies man knows how competitive a league the Premierships is.
“You can see already no one’s gone three from three. In this competition everyone can beat anyone – home or away.
“There’s no easy week. You have to train hard, do your analysis and if you don’t, that could be the week you get stung.
“Unbelievable Atmosphere”
The 22-cap Wallaby has featured in all three of Exeter’s games this season.
Despite the one home game, White is already beginning to feel at home with the Sandy Park faithful.
“At the end of the game [against London Irish] I went to a few of the boys – unbelievable atmosphere.
“I don’t know what to expect this weekend playing a team like Wasps. If it’s better than that it’ll be something special.
“They’re the sorts of game you want to be part of. The big games and also the games that are played in the right style, it’s pretty special.”
Exeter and Wasps face off on Sunday at Sandy Park. Both teams competing for top spot, but with Saracens close behind, neither side will want to slip up.
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