Chiefs Vs Tigers - Sat 3.05pm

[FKAS]

Exeter Chiefs:

15 Josh Hodge
14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
13 Ben Hammersley
12 Joe Hawkins
11 Olly Woodburn
10 Harvey Skinner
9 Niall Armstrong
1 Scott Sio (c)
2 Dan Frost
3 Ehren Painter
4 Rusi Tuima
5 Richard Capstick
6 Ethan Roots
7 Ross Vintcent
8 Greg Fisilau

Replacements:
16 Jack Yeandle
17 Will Goodrick-Clarke
18 Josh Iosefa-Scott
19 Jack Dunne
20 Christ Tshiunza
21 Tom Cairns
22 Will Haydon-Wood
23 Paul Brown-Bampoe

STARTING XV
15 Freddie Steward [88]
14 Josh Bassett [15]
13 Izaia Perese *
12 Solomone Kata [19]
11 Ollie Hassell-Collins [22]
10 Jamie Shillcock [26]
9 Jack van Poortvliet [73]
1 Nicky Smith *
2 Charlie Clare [95]
3 Joe Heyes [141]
4 Harry Wells [199]
5 Ollie Chessum (C) [56]
6 Hanro Liebenberg [107]
7 Olly Cracknell [43]
8 Kyle Hatherell [20]

REPLACEMENTS

16 Finn Theobald-Thomas [9]
17 James Cronin [34]
18 Dan Cole [323]
19 Côme Joussain *
20 Tommy Reffell [114]
21 Ben Youngs [314]
22 Ben Volavola *
23 Dan Kelly [81]

[FKAS]

So both sides starting with the idea that contesting the breakdown is for other people. Depressing to see Olly Cracknell at 7 unless Ilione is injured.

The lack of fit locks is a tad concerning with Henderson and Martin not available we've gone for dual registered Joussain over Tom Manz. Chessum the younger is still injured.

Chessum Snr taking on captain duties is a positive with JVP as vice captain. Slight concern that Shillcock is in at 10 despite barely featuring in pre season. Josh Bassett might be nervously looking over his shoulder given the form of Satala in pre season and the ability of the impressive Will Wand to play 13 and wing.

[Puja]

Disappointing that Kata has beaten out Kelly for 12 as well. One can't argue with his bosh, but it's a bit one-dimensional, especially with an undercooked Shillcock at 10.

Puja

[FKAS]

Disappointing that Kata has beaten out Kelly for 12 as well. One can't argue with his bosh, but it's a bit one-dimensional, especially with an undercooked Shillcock at 10.

Puja

The write ups from pre season had both playing well but Kata made some rampaging runs and against a makeshift Chiefs midfield I imagine the plan is to try and isolate Hammersley one on one Vs Perese. Kata's carrying at 12 will definitely cause Hawkins and any cover defence to stay in the 12 channel to mark up.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Tigers backrow, Liebenberg aside, looks awful! Is that the best we’ve got to offer? Is everyone else dead?