Chiefs Head North for Clash with Newcastle
Exeter travel to Kingston Park on Friday evening for their Gallagher Premiership round 12 fixture. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:45 in Newcastle.
England U20s centre Nick Lilley returns to club duty after recent age-grade appearances. His last outing for the Chiefs came as a substitute in the 38-15 home win over the Red Bulls in October.
Team selection
The starting XV includes two players who are Newcastle-bound, Rusi Tuima and Will Rigg. Club captain Jack Yeandle packs down at hooker between Scott Sio and Jimmy Roots.
Tuima pairs with Andrea Zambonin in the second row. Dafydd Jenkins is rested after playing almost all of Wales’ Guinness Six Nations minutes.
Tom Hooper keeps his back-row place following a player-of-the-match display on his return against Sale Sharks. He starts alongside Ross Vintcent and Greg Fisilau.
Half-backs Stephen Varney and Harvey Skinner are retained after restoring their attacking rhythm in round 11. Lilley partners Will Rigg in midfield.
The back three is unchanged, with Campbell Ridl and Paul Brown-Bampoe on the wings. Olly Woodburn starts at full-back.
Replacements
- Ethan Burger and Bachuki Tchumbadze prop up the bench.
- Julian Heaven could make his first appearance against the Red Bulls since moving to Devon last summer.
- Finn Worley Brady is named on the bench a week after his Gallagher Premiership debut.
- Lewis Pearson, Tom Cairns, Will Haydon-Wood and Dan John complete the matchday 23.
Coach perspective
Director of rugby Rob Baxter underlined the narrow margins at the top of the table. He stressed the need to treat every game as a pressure match and to maintain composure.
Baxter warned Kingston Park is a difficult venue. He noted the Chiefs lost there last year and expected another physical contest.
He praised Newcastle’s attacking intent and resilience. Baxter pointed to their close result with Northampton Saints as evidence of their threat.
Context and coverage
With Chiefs head north, the squad aims to protect its place inside the top four. The team travels ready for a hard-fought clash with Newcastle.
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports. Fans can also follow the action via Filmogaz.com’s live match centre.
