Richards: Tough day at the office
Speaking after the Gallagher Premiership encounter at Sandy Park, the Falcons boss said: “We knew that it was always going to be difficult down here against a side I had always tipped for the title.
“Having to make our longest trip of the season on a short turnaround meant we had to look after some of the boys, resting some of the guys who had niggles, and that’s just the reality of managing a squad.
“Exeter are an extremely clinical side and they showed that again today, but I thought some of our young guys and Premiership debutants actually showed up well.
“Rob Farrar, to pick out one, didn’t stop all day, and guys like Will Haydon-Wood, Zach Kerr, Tom Marshall and Chidera Obonna will really learn from what is undeniably a tough experience.”
Looking ahead to his next assignment, Richards said: “We’ve got a six-day turnaround going into Worcester, and the reality is that you have to prioritise games.
“Credit to Exeter because they were at their ruthless best, but we will learn from the experience and look to fight back next weekend when we play Worcester in front of our own fans.”
