Rob Baxter insists Exeter Chiefs are on an upward curve after dominant Harlequins win

After a frustrating start to the campaign that included an agonising defeat to Bristol Bears, the Chiefs have bounced back strongly — and Baxter believes his squad are in a far better position than they were at this stage last season.

“For me, we feel a much better place, the players look a lot brighter. We look competitive in a lot of areas and that’s got to be good. We’ve got players entering the squad now, with Tom Hooper and Len Ikitau here now, and in full training.

“We’re collecting points in every game. That’s what builds you a foundation for a season and we’ve got to keep on doing that.

“We want to push for positive performances, and positive results and we won’t do that by not talking about it.”

The result marked a crucial confidence boost for Exeter, who now sit fifth in the table. Baxter was pleased with how his players continue to evolve, but he also urged patience as the team continues to rebuild its trademark identity.

“If you try and do everything in one week, it will just end up creating confusion. You never end up with any game plan, and you never end up with any style. We are in the process of rebuilding an Exeter Chief’s style.

“The other layers of making the right decision every single time is probably seasons away. You work on those things day by day, week by week, month by month over a period of time.

“You don’t put them all right in one week. We’ve got to give these lads some genuine time; they’re working extremely hard and they’re getting better progressively and that’s what I want to see.”

The arrival of new signings Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper has further lifted the mood at Sandy Park. Both Wallabies have joined from Australia and have already made a strong impression, following their debuts against Quins, this past weekend down in Devon.

“They fitted in straight away. To be honest with you, I was pretty certain they would, the lads have embraced them, and everyone looks excited to have them here.

“They’re both very keen to get involved as soon as possible. We’re getting on with things, and we’ve got the opportunity to select them.”

With momentum building and competition for places increasing, Baxter and his squad will now turn their attention to their next Gallagher Premiership clash — a West Country derby against Gloucester on October 25 — as they look to keep their upward trajectory firmly on track.