Team News: Chiefs Named for Derby Clash Against Bears at Sandy Park

Exeter Chiefs have named their side for Round Four – Derby Weekend – of the Gallagher Premiership as they play host to South West rivals Bristol Bears at Sandy Park.

In the front row, Scott Sio returns to the line-up to provide extra bulk and experience at loosehead alongside hooker, and captain, Jack Yeandle and tighthead Marcus Street.

Rusi Tuima rotates back into the starting XV to partner the newly signed Argentinian international Franco Molina, who will make his Chiefs debut on home turf.

Jacques Vermeulen returns from a short-term injury lay-off to start on the blindside flank with Richard Capstick at openside and Ross Vintcent packing down at eight.

Sam Maunder at scrum half pairs up with Harvey Skinner who reclaims his starting shirt at fly half. Joe Hawkins and Olly Woodburn once more bring power and pace in centre field.

It’s a threatening back three with Paul Brown-Bampoe and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on the wings while Josh Hodge holds down the full-back shirt.

Director of Rugby Rob Baxter said this week will be a challenge for his squad, but they are looking forward to taking on a strong Bristol Bears side.

“Bristol look to have gotten back to the really dangerous Bristol of a couple of years ago when they looked like they could run everybody off their feet, when they had great confidence in what they were doing and they stuck at it. That made them difficult to play and gave them a very successful season.

“That type of team certainly looks like it is in place again. I thought they were very good against Bath. You’ve got to say they caught Bath cold – it wasn’t just the rugby they played, it was the contact area and speed onto ball stuff. It just shows if you catch someone, stick at it and drive your game then you can drive your performance.

“They look confident in what they’re doing, so that will make it a big challenge this weekend. Our challenge at the moment is being up to a level of intensity which can win us the game but within that, holding our form and our detail together.”

Dan Frost returns to the line-up, looking to bring dynamism from the bench while Will Goodrick-Clark and Josh Iosefa-Scott prepare to bring the power. Using a 6-2 split on the bench enables Baxter to also name Jack Dunne, Ethan Roots and Greg Fisilau.

The two backs on the bench look to bring energy to the encounter as Tom Cairns is named with Ben Hammersley.

Exeter Chiefs:

15 Josh Hodge

14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso

13 Olly Woodburn

12 Joe Hawkins

11 Paul Brown-Bampoe

10 Harvey Skinner

9 Sam Maunder

1 Scott Sio

2 Jack Yeandle (c)

3 Marcus Street

4 Rusi Tuima

5 Franco Molina

6 Jacques Vermeulen

7 Richard Capstick

8 Ross Vintcent

Replacements:

16 Dan Frost

17 Will Goodrick-Clarke

18 Josh Iosefa-Scott

19 Jack Dunne

20 Ethan Roots

21 Tom Cairns

22 Ben Hammersley

23 Greg Fisilau