RugbyRebels

Bristol Bears team:

15. Tom Pincus; 14. Toby Fricker, 13. Charlie Powell, 12. Sam Bedlow, 11. Jack Bates; 10. Ian Madigan, 9. Nic Stirzaker (c); 1. Yann Thomas, 2. George Kloska, 3. Nicky Thomas, 4. Dave Attwood, 5. Aly Muldowney, 6. John Hawkins, 7. James Dun, 8. Joe Batley.

Replacements: 16. Will Capon, 17. Ollie Dawe, 18. Lewis Thiede, 19. Luke Hamilton, 20. Harry Randall, 21. Ioan Lloyd, 22. Tiff Eden, 23. Tyrese Johnson-Fisher.

Pat Lam giving the youngsters a chance, pleased to see Attwood get some game time, surprised at TJF getting a run out but the lack of Morahan and CP worries me. Hopefully they are fit for the Bath game.

Exeter taking a different approach to the game:
15 Max Bodilly
14 Tom O'Flaherty
13 Ian Whitten
12 Tom Hendrickson
11 Olly Woodburn
10 Joe Simmonds
9 Jack Maunder
1 Alec Hepburn
2 Jack Yeandle (capt)
3 Harry Williams
4 Dave Dennis
5 Jonny Hill
6 Dave Ewers
7 Jacques Vermeulen
8 Sam Simmonds

16 Max Norey
17 Ben Moon
18 Marcus Sreet
19 Jannes Kirsten
20 Matt Kvesic
21 Sam Maunder
22 Gareth Steenson
23 Harvey Skinner

Exe's power game just too much for a young Bristol side. They were relentless at times with the carrying and driving of their forwards. Definitely more required in the imagination department in the backs, though.

Of the 3 young English SH's, I was most impressed with Randall who looked lively and inventive. Could be a breakthrough season if he can just get greater consistency and speed in his service. Capon put in a very good cameo and TJF is very pacy.

Capon was good. To be fair, I think Randall made his breakthrough last season.

Exeter looked like they were playing a first choice forward pack and a mix and match set of backs. Whitten, Hill and Hendrickson are decent enough, but they definitely miss Devoto and Sladein midfield.

Bristol were playing much more of a mix and match side with few nailed on starters.

Johnny Hill’s try was something. Since he’s got rid of that ridiculous blonde mop I’ve started taking him seriously.

Ioan Lloyd looked very good. He’s seriously talented!!