Rob Baxter admits booze-up cost Chiefs in brutally honest post-match interview

Exeter Chief’s brutally honest post-match interview after his side lost to Northampton Saints has been lauded by Lawrence Dallagio.

Premiership leaders Exeter Chiefs lost for their second consecutive away game running as Northampton Saints edged a 31-28 victory on Friday.

Exeter were beaten at Harlequins late in November and they again come unstuck on their travels in a thrilling encounter at a raucous Franklin’s Gardens as the Saints climbed to fourth.

In a game that was back and forth at Franklin’s Gardens, Saints twice resisted ferocious fightbacks from the 2016/17 champions to pick up all five points.

However, Baxter’s honestly following the match raised eyebrows, particularly his suggestion the team may have overdone it at their Christmas party.

“For me, the game was not about refereeing decisions today. I thought Northampton thoroughly deserved their win, and well played to them.

“We didn’t make it particularly tough for them, but at the same time they were prepared to fight at a level that was probably a little bit beyond us today.

“Although we fought our way back into it with some good periods, and our forwards got some dominance particularly at the scrum area, and we scored four tries away from home and got two bonus points, which is great, but it was really about Northampton playing better than us, and we have got to have a bit of a look at ourselves.”

“Sometimes a Christmas party after beating Saracens potentially isn’t the best way to prepare against a team that’s gonna come at you with fight,” admitted Baxter to BT Sport.

"Sometimes a Christmas party after beating Saracens potentially isn't the best way to prepare against a team that's gonna come at you with fight."

No punches pulled ?

Rob Baxter isn't shirking the blame after his Exeter Chiefs side came up short in Northampton. pic.twitter.com/VdSaNJqFNU

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) December 28, 2018

Lawrence Dallagio praised Baxter: “This is as it should be…..Just Brutal Honesty. I wish a few more of our Administrators,coaches, players and media would speak with this level of candour.

“No need to publicly name individuals but just the group as a whole including themselves as coaches.”

This is as it should be…..Just Brutal Honesty. I wish a few more of our Administrators,coaches, players and media would speak with this level of candour. No need to publicly name individuals but just the group as a whole including themselves as coaches. ?

— Lawrence Dallaglio (@dallaglio8) December 29, 2018

Northampton made a sensational start with a try inside two minutes. It came from a counter-attack as Tom Collins burst through a gap raced forwards before finding Dan Biggar.

Exeter kept battling and eventually earned two bonus points thanks to a try from Matt Kvesic in the final play, but it was Northampton’s evening.