Jacques Vermeulen says Exeter Chiefs will “fight like dogs” to secure a playoff berth in the English Premiership.

The 2020 European and Premiership champions were knocked out of the Champions Cup last week, before losing 38-22 to rivals Saracens on Sunday, and are now battling to reach the domestic playoffs.

Rob Baxter’s side are in a race for fourth place, and SA-born Vermeulen is helping to head up the charge, the ex-Sharks loose forward saying: “People are seeing us as underdogs and we’ll embrace that.

“When teams play against us this season, they think they can beat us. The underdog tag gives you more edge. You see underdogs coming out on top all around the world in boxing and UFC. We’ll fight like dogs.

“We need to win every game to reach the semi-finals. Harlequins had to win their last game last season to get into the semi-final and it could be special. I believe in every guy in the squad and the coaches. It’s a massive mountain to climb and to reach the peak would be amazing.”

Exeter next travel to Ashton Gate to face the 10th-placed Bristol Bears on 20 May.