Exeter out to clip Falcons' wings

The Falcons earned a first-ever semifinal place after finishing fourth in the standings with 14 wins from their 22 games.

The Chiefs finished top of the standings after winning 17 of their games. However, despite enjoying home advantage this weekend, Chiefs loose forward Dave Dennis said they will not be taking their opponents lightly.

"Newcastle deserve to be in the top four, they've had a fantastic season and they are a strong team, who score lots of points," Dennis told exeterchiefs.co.uk.

"They have threats all over the park, so we know what is coming at us come that semifinal."

Dennis knows how important home advantage can be in a play-off match.

"It's fantastic to play at home, it's where we feel most comfortable," he added. "The support we get is fantastic, home and away, and really does help us as players. As I've said before, playing at a sold-out Sandy Park, there is no better place to play.

"The semifinal is going to be a huge game for us. Having home advantage is ever so important, but now it's knockout rugby, it's do or die, so we know we need to perform against a strong Newcastle side.

"We've done well so far to achieve what we have, but there is no point committing to a long season, 22 regular games, and then put your foot on the break. This is the important end of the season, so our attitude has to be right and we have to push on and try and win that semifinal."

Saturday's other semifinal sees Saracens at home against Wasps.

Source: exeterchiefs.co.uk