Chiefs Aim for Home Knockout with Win Over Cardiff

Exeter Chiefs are gearing up for their significant match against Cardiff Rugby in the final pool round of the EPCR Challenge Cup. This clash is critical as the Chiefs aim for a home knockout spot, which would facilitate a more favorable draw in the next stage of the competition.

Chiefs Look to Secure Home Knockout

Paul Brown-Bampoe will once again start after making a successful return last week. Additionally, Stephen Varney is back in the lineup following a brief injury period. Director of Rugby Rob Baxter emphasized the need for improvement in specific areas of their game, particularly discipline and set-piece execution.

“Cardiff can be very competitive at the breakdown,” Baxter noted, adding that the Welsh team’s fluid ball movement poses a significant challenge. They have displayed the ability to challenge any opponent this season, making this matchup particularly exciting.

Team Selection and Strategy

After a strong performance against Stade Francais, Scott Sio will start at loosehead alongside hooker Joseph Dweba and tighthead Bachuki Tchumbadze. Dafydd Jenkins, the match captain, will partner Andrea Zambonin in the second row, facing several of his Wales teammates.

• Kane James takes over at number eight, pairing with Tom Hooper and Ethan Roots in the back row.
• Varney will combine with fly-half Harvey Skinner, while Will Haydon-Wood joins Henry Slade in the center.
• The back three remains unchanged, featuring Brown-Bampoe and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on the wings, and Olly Woodburn at full-back.

Rob Baxter explained that securing a home draw for the knockout rounds is essential for the team. “Maintaining our home form at Sandy Park has always been a foundation of our success,” he remarked. “We want to make it difficult for any opponent to compete here.”

Match Details and Lineup

The Chiefs have made some adjustments to the front row, with Julian Heaven coming in alongside Will Goodrick-Clarke and Jimmy Roots. They will maintain a 6-2 split on the bench, with Rusi Tuima, Lewis Pearson, and Richard Capstick ready to make an impact. Ben Hammersley, recovered from a shoulder injury, is also included in the lineup.

The match is scheduled to commence at 13:00 at Sandy Park, with tickets still available for purchase.

Exeter Chiefs Starting Lineup

As the Exeter Chiefs face off against Cardiff, the stakes are high for both teams. Fans can expect an intense battle as both sides strive for the victory that can propel them into the next phase of the tournament.