WHAT happens at Exeter will set the tone for next season, believes forward-thinking Akapusi Qera.
The powerful flanker has challenged Gloucester to close their season in style at Sandy Park on Saturday – to stamp a high standard to carry into next term.
The Cherry and Whites take on the Chiefs in Devon on Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm) bidding to end their first Premiership campaign under Nigel Davies on a positive note.
Fijian loose-forward Qera reckons the Kingsholm men can start preparations for next term even before they end this season.
The 29-year-old thinks all Gloucester's actions this week will contribute to the overall feeling when they reconvene for pre-season training ahead of next season.
Qera is confident Gloucester can make big strides next term – and wants his side to take a head-start on preparations this weekend.
Gloucester might already have secured Heineken Cup rugby for next season, but Qera will stress the importance of Saturday's clash to his team-mates this week.
He explained: "It's a game that will summarise the whole season, I will say.
"As players, as coaches and as a team – and for everyone connected to the club – it's a game that's really, really important for us to win.
"For the boys who are leaving it's a farewell game for them.
"And for the boys who are staying I'd say it's a benchmark, to come back in next year.
"Of course we'll have pre-season to prepare for next year, but I reckon this is the benchmark that we'll need to take back into next season.
"We've had a good season overall, but what matters now is living up to that.
"Next year we want to keep moving forward, and a win this weekend would be the best way to start that process as quickly as possible.
"We'll need to improve again next season, and that challenge starts this week and certainly on Saturday.
"The feeling from the last game, that carries through, and we've got an opportunity to produce a performance and hopefully a result that will lift everyone not just this weekend – but when we start building for next season too."
Gloucester edged out Exeter 18-16 at Kingsholm on Saturday, December 22.
The Chiefs heaped the pressure on Gloucester throughout a gritty and abrasive contest, continually building tension through lengthy phase play.
Back-rower Qera expects all the same and more from Rob Baxter's side this weekend.
Exeter can tie up Heineken Cup rugby with victory, so there will be no shortage of motivation from the home side.
But Qera said Gloucester must match the hunger of the hosts in their bid to round off their season.
He continued: "Exeter are one of the most physical teams around so we'll have to match that, without doubt.
"They always come straight at you, they are direct and confrontational.
"They are a very good side, very accurate, and they punish mistakes.
"We could find ourselves in trouble if we do not produce our best rugby.
"It's an opportunity to finish the season well and one that we're ready to take."
