Braves side to face Quins

By Mark Stevens
17/12/18

Exeter Braves will be looking to maintain their 100 per cent record in this season's Premiership Rugby Shield when they travel to rivals Harlequins tonight (7:45pm).

Having already collected wins against Saracens, Bath, Bristol and Gloucester so far, it's been an impressive start for Ricky Pellow's side, who are three points clear of Saracens (who have played a game more) at the top of the Southern Section.

However, Pellow knows a trip to The Stoop is never easy - whatever the competition - and he has challenged his youthful side to rise to the challenge this evening.

"Harlequins is always a tough place to go, especially on a Monday evening," he said. "It's a long trip for us, but at the same time it's a great challenge for the guys and one that we are very much looking forward to. In the past we've always had good games against them, whether it's in the Premiership, the A League, the Premiership Cup, and I've no doubt this will be the same."

And with the Chiefs in Gallagher Premiership against Saracens on Saturday, the same time as the Braves travel to Bath in the Premiership Shield, the Devonians will have their playing resources tested to the max in what is a busy week ahead.

"Looking at the squad for the Quins' game, it's a lot younger than we would normally go with," added Pellow. "That said, it's a great opportunity for those players to step up and for them to put the things they've been doing in training into practice in what should be a full-blooded game."

Tongan international Elvis Taione provides the experience in a young Exeter eight up front, but behind there is plenty of experience with Tom Hendrickson, Max Bodilly, James Short and Olly Woodburn all forming part of an exciting Exeter back division.

"This competition is something we've always looked to go after and it means a lot to us as a club," said Pellow. "There are a number of guys who need game time after injuries, but there are also a number who will be looking to really press their claims with a busy period of games coming up in the Premiership.

"A lot of these guys put in a great block of games during the recent Premiership Cup block, with some of them even going on to play in the Premiership and in Europe, so the opportunities are there if guys are willing to really front up.

"What we want is hungry players out there on the field because there is only so much you can do in training or with your loan clubs. Games like this are where they can really go, express themselves, and work towards what we hope will be a very strong team performance."

Supporters unable to make it to The Stoop this evening will be able to follow the game live, via the club's official social media channels.

EXETER BRAVES SIDE TO FACE HARLEQUINS

15 Max Bodilly
14 James Short
13 Harry Strong
12 Tom Hendrickson
11 Olly Woodburn
10 Harvey Skinner
9 Joe Snow
1 Billy Keast
2 Elvis Taione
3 Marcus Street
4 Rus Tuima
5 Cory Teague
6 Onehunga Kaufusi
7 Flynn Elworthy
8 James McRae (capt)

16 Max Norey
17 James Kenny
18 Alfie Petch
19 Lewis Pearson
20 Jake Clemson
21 James Tait
22 Dom Thorne
23 Shea Cornish