Rob Baxter has spelt out to his Exeter Chiefs side that they will need to produce a ‘season’s best’ display if they are to overcome rivals Bath Rugby in tomorrow’s Gallagher Premiership semi-final at Sandy Park (4:30pm).
Although the Chiefs head into the semi-final having lost their last three Premiership games, Baxter will be buoyed by the fact that he has a virtually full-strength line-up at his disposal for the visit of Bath.
Since rugby restarted, Baxter has used 57 different players in the top-flight, offering a number of fringe first-teamers the chance to shine. Tomorrow, he will parade virtually the same 23 that defeated Toulouse in Europe a fortnight ago.
Meanwhile, Bath make three changes as they prepare for a first semi-final since 2015.
Bath Rugby’s Joe Cokanasiga will make his first start for the Blue, Black and White after spending 16 months out on the side lines following a knee injury.
Cameron Redpath moves into midfield to join Jonathan Joseph and the young England centre replaces Josh Matavesi, who is named on the bench.
PREDICTION:
Despite being back to full strength, Exeter Chiefs have lost three Premiership matches in a row and will have one eye on Champions Cup final the following week. Bath, who I think have been the best all-around unit since lockdown will stand toe-toe with the Chiefs pack and win out wide with England speedsters Ruaridh McConnochie and Joe Cokanasiga scoring the tries.
Betting tip: Bath to win by 3 points
QUICKFIRE FACTS:
Is Exeter Chiefs vs Bath on the TV? Live on BT Sport 1
When is Exeter Chiefs vs Bath taking place? Saturday 10th October, 2020 – 16:30 (UK)
Where is Exeter Chiefs vs Bath taking place? Sandy Park, Exeter
What is the expected weather for Wasps vs Bristol Bears? Partly cloudy, 12c
Exeter Chiefs vs Bath Team News:
Exeter Chiefs: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Olly Woodburn, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Ollie Devoto, 11 Tom O’Flaherty, 10 Joe Simmonds (c), 9 Jack Maunder, 8 Sam Simmonds, 7 Jacques Vermeulen, 6 Dave Ewers, 5 Jonny Hill, 4 Jonny Gray, 3 Harry Williams, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 1 Alec Hepburn
Replacements: 16 Jack Yeandle, 17 Ben Moon, 18 Tomas Francis, 19 Sam Skinner, 20 Jannes Kirsten, 21 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, 22 Gareth Steenson, 23 Ian Whitten
Bath: 15 Anthony Watson, 14 Ruaridh McConnochie, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Cameron Redpath, 11 Joe Cokanasiga, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Ben Spencer, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Tom Ellis, 5 Charlie Ewels (c), 4 Josh McNally, 3 Will Stuart, 2 Tom Dunn, 1 Beno Obano
Replacements: 16 Jack Walker, 17 Lewis Boyce, 18 Christian Judge, 19 Elliott Stooke, 20 Miles Reid, 21 Will Chudley, 22 Josh Matavesi, 23 Tom de Glanville
Venue: Sandy Park
Kick-off: 16:30 BST
Referee: Luke Pearce (103rd Premiership game, second semi-final). Assistant Referees. Craig Maxwell-Keys & Adam Leal. TMO: Wayne Barnes. Citing Officer: Paul Hull.