Braves side to face Saracens Storm

By Mark Stevens
22/12/19

Exeter Braves will be looking to preserve their perfect start to the new Premiership Rugby Shield season when they travel to rivals Saracens Storm today (2pm).

Impressive home victories over Harlequins (45-0) and Bath United (52-10) have put Ricky Pellow’s side top of the Southern Conference, but hot on their heels are today’s opponents, who themselves have gleaned a perfect 10 out of 10 from their opening two games.

Ahead of kick-off, however, skills coach Pellow says his young side are relishing the challenge that awaits them in the nation’s capital - and that they will be aiming to build on their encouraging start against the competition’s defending champions.

“Sunday will be a good test for us,” said Pellow. “We have talked about these next two away games being a real test of character for the group. It’s a great opportunity, both individually and collectively as a group, to show the strength within the squad.

“Saracens are a side who physically want to dominate you in all areas, and we’ve talked about going there as a group and imposing our game on them in all areas.

“We are a young side, but we are growing as a group game to game. The players today will be exposed to one hell of a challenge that we have to meet.”

With the Chiefs having used a number of last Monday’s Braves side for their trip to Leicester Tigers yesterday, it means Pellow has been forced into change for the clash at Allianz Park.

Up front, Danny Southworth, Richard Capstick and Rus Tuima all start, as do Shea Cornish and Sam Morley in the back division. Josh Caulfield takes over the captaincy role at blindside flanker.

BRAVES SIDE TO FACE SARACENS STORM

15 Sam Morley
14 Shea Cornish
13 Tom Wyatt
12 Max Bodilly
11 James Short
10 Harvey Skinner
9 Sam Maunder
1 Danny Southworth
2 Jordon Poole
3 Patrick Schickerling
4 Stan South
5 Tom Price
6 Josh Caulfield (capt)
7 Richard Capstick
8 Rus Tuima

16 Harry Wilkinson
17 Will Norton
18 Matt Johnson
19 Cory Teague
20 Lewis Pearson
21 Joe Snow
22 Barrie Karea
23 Arthur Relton