Appleby hails Exeter defence after opening day win

Susie Appleby has led Exeter to two finals and a semi-final in her four full seasons in charge at Sandy Park

Exeter head coach Susie Appleby has hailed her side's defence as they won 8-7 at Harlequins in their Premiership Women's Rugby opener.

Liv McGoverne's late second-half penalty ensured four points for the Chiefs, who were 7-0 down at the break after Nicole Wythe's try.

Taz Bricknell's try reduced the gap to two points before McGoverne's late kick saw a depleted Exeter side get the win.

"The defensive sets that we went through were quite heroic," said Appleby, who had 16 players away on international duty and others injured.

"When we did concede penalties they weren't making any ground so I'm really pleased with some aspects of the defence.

"I'm obviously pleased with the win but we can be so, so much better."

Appleby was also impressed by the attitude of her squad as Exeter begin their fifth season in the women's professional game.

"They were not going to lose, that's what they've just said to me," she told BBC Radio Devon.

"If you have that mentality then it stands for a lot before you even take the field so I'm pleased we've got that in the squad. There's a lot of youngsters out there - 10 under-23s and some new players, and I'm really pleased for them.

"Things like that are very character-building and very important for squad players."