Exeter Chiefs forwards coach Rob Hunter highlighted the importance of securing a home knockout in the Champions Cup after their win over Castres on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Hunter\u2019s men claimed a resounding 40-3 win over the French side, guaranteeing a top-four finish and a home play-off.<\/p>\n
The visitors were their own worst enemies as number eight Feibyan Tukino was red-carded in the first period. The French side briefly went down to 12 players thanks to three yellow cards during the remainder of the game.<\/p>\n
The forwards coach is pleased with how Exeter stuck to their processes and targets a deep run into the competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt wasn\u2019t straightforward. It has been a season of highs and lows so far,\u201d Hunter said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a very erratic first half from both sides but I am very pleased with the way we stuck at it, shook ourselves off and finished with a flourish.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is really important to get that home draw. History would say that being at home in this competition is an important thing.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom here on in you have just got to win the next game. Whoever we get will be pretty tough. We are passionate about Europe \u2013 it is such an amazing competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe love Europe and we want to stay in it for as long as we can.\u201d<\/p>\n
Welshmen Christ Tshiunza and Dafydd Jenkins had sublime outings, as did the England trio of Henry Slade, Sam Simmonds and Jack Nowell, who all scored tries.<\/p>\n
Several stars have confirmed their departure from the club, with Simmonds and Luke Cowan-Dickie two players heading to Montpellier, while Nowell is also expected to leave Exeter.<\/p>\n
Hunter praised the Welsh duo and wished the best for the players set to leave the club.<\/p>\n
\u201cChrist and Dafydd will continue to learn, so them going away with the Wales boys, they will learn a lot,” he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cDafydd\u2019s game understanding for a young guy is second to none, as is Christ\u2019s athleticism. Christ running tries in is something I would like to see for the next 10 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe players leaving don\u2019t owe the club anything. They\u2019ve had some tremendous successes here. We wish them the very best.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be a very emotional farewell. They are a very tight-knit group, guys we have seen grow up together.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be great for them to experience a different culture, a different country, a different team.\u201d<\/p>\n