Henry Slade praises 'class player' Len Ikitau as Exeter Chiefs thump Harlequins in Gallagher PREM clash - 'Such a great addition'

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England centre Henry Slade, who scored two tries and kicked 13 points, heaped praise on Australian debutants Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper as Exeter Chiefs dispatched Harlequins 38-0 in the Gallagher PREM. The result sees Exeter move up to fifth in the table, while Harlequins remain third from bottom with one win from their first four games. Next up for the Chiefs is an encounter against Gloucester.

Skinner scores 'brilliant' try as Exeter extend lead over Harlequins

Video credit: TNT Sports

Henry Slade heaped praise on debutants Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper as Exeter Chiefs claimed a thumping 38-0 Prem win over Harlequins.

The first half saw Exeter register three tries in 10 minutes, while Harvey Skinner made it 24-0 before the break. Greg Fisilau then added a bonus-point try four minutes after half-time before Slade wrapped up proceedings with his second try in the dying embers.

At full-time, England centre Slade, who scored twice and kicked 13 points, reserved praise for Exeter’s Australian debutants Ikitau and Hooper.

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On Ikitau, Slade told TNT Sports: "He’s just a class player. He can do the physical stuff, he’s got great skills, he talks well, he understands the game. He’s been such a great addition here.

"We’ve also had Hoops (Tom Hooper) coming in this week, and he’s been a real boost. It lifted the whole squad, having everyone in. It’s awesome and a great day. It’s all about the attitude, how you turn up and collisions and I think those boys were at the forefront of it."

Sunday’s victory sees Exeter move up to fifth in the Prem table, while Harlequins remain third from bottom with one win from their first four games.

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On the performance as a whole, Slade continued: "There was just a genuine belief among the squad which we’ve been building throughout pre-season. Especially over the last few weeks. It hadn’t quite clicked properly for the first few games, but I think we’re feeling good at the moment.

"The most pleasing thing is when you think about the Chiefs of old, we’ve always had a big, ugly physical forward pack, and I feel like we’re getting back to that now. I can't give enough credit to the boys up front - they’re just dominating set pieces, and dominating collisions all the time, which makes it so much easier for us boys on the outside.

"I think that’s the foundation and if they can get that right, as they have been doing, then we’ve got some electric boys on the outside. You get the ball in their hands and they will do some damage. It’s been a real positive."

TNT Sports’ player of the match, Ethan Roots, added: "We want to make this place more of a fortress. We are not there yet, but this is a good step in the right direction.

"We were happy not to have the ball today and defend. It is early doors in the season, but there has been an attitude shift at the club about our standards and what we will and will not allow to happen."

Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM, Quilter Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+

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