Chiefs U18s to face Saracens

By Alfie Martin
8/2/18

Gareth Elliott says his Exeter Chiefs Under-18s side will need to be at their very best when they tackle rivals Saracens in their latest Premiership Rugby Under-18s clash at Allianz Park on Friday (7:30pm).

Having won three of their four fixtures to date, the most recent coming last weekend when they saw off visiting Bath 19-14 at Tregye, the Chiefs know they face a formidable challenge in the shape of the Londoners next up.

“Friday evening is exactly what we need, a really tough match to see where we are as a squad,” said Ellott. “The guys have the opportunity to face a form side, away from home, so we need to have the right mind-set leading into the match.

“We have had spells in each of our fixtures that have been outstanding. The group is learning from each match, but the key for us now is to get that complete 70 minute performance.”

Looking to help spearhead the visiting attack will be Chiefs fly-half Olly Toomey, who commended the tireless efforts of his team-mates at Tregye. He is confident that result, coupled with other displays, can ensure the visitors put on another powerful performance on the road.

“It was a really tough game down in Tregye against Bath last week,” said Toomey. “Bath made us work hard for the win and the boys really dug deep in tough conditions to pull out a good win.

“We know Saracens are going to be tough opponents, but it’s a really exciting week in which I know the boys are all buzzing for. Saracens are a very good side, they have some good threats across the board, but we can’t wait to get stuck on Friday night”

And prop Alfie Petch is equally bullish about his side’s chances, saying the 4G surface will impact on the way the game will be played.

“The conditions at Tregye meant that we had to adapt the way we played. The weather didn’t really help either team,” he said. “When we play Saracens, it will probably be more of a kicking game. We will be looking to use our backs and make good use of the artificial pitch”.

A largely unchanged starting pack sees Alfie Petch shifting into the loose-head position in place of Oliver Andrews, with Elliot Salt adopting the No.3 shirt. Both props bagged a score each against Bath, and will be looking to make more influential carries in the game ahead.

In the backs, Sam Maunder is given the nod ahead of James Tait at scrum-half, while Robbie Weeks gets a run out as full-back in place of Dan Lilley.

CHIEFS UNDER-18s SIDE TO FACE BATH

15 Robbie Weeks
14 Kian Atkinson
13 Francesco Scardamaglia
12 Luke Flack
11 Archie Hill
10 Olly Toomey
9 Sam Maunder (capt)
1 Alfie Petch
2 Will Ridout
3 Elliot Salt
4 Lewis Pearson
5 Joseph Parker-Cook
6 Flynn Elworthy
7 Richard Capstick
8 Rus Tuima

16 Harvey Dunn
17 Oliver Andrews
18 Henry Trudgill
19 Jake Clemson
20 Cory Teague
21 James Tait
22 Devon Jewsbury
23 Dan Lilley