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“Top Scorer Returns” – Premiership Rugby Preview and Team News Ahead of Round Seven

24 November 2023
Tom Sansom

Sunday 26th November

Newcastle Falcons vs Exeter Chiefs – Kingston Park, 15:00 KO

Jamie Blamire of Newcastle Falcons on the break during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Newcastle Falcons at the Recreation Ground on 31 December 2022. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

Hoping to find their first win of the Premiership season, Newcastle Falcons Head Coach Alex Codling has named Louis Johnson to make his first league start for the club. Johnson has been steadily climbing the ranks at the Falcons since 2021, and will start at fly-half in Sunday’s clash against Exeter. A break-out of the England U20s set-up, Johnson has previously made Falcons appearances in the Premiership Rugby Cup, and the 20-year-old brings plenty of playmaking talent to Kingston Park.

Including Johnson, Codling has made seven changes to take on the Chiefs from their defeat to Sale Sharks last Friday. Scintillating wing talent Adam Radwan returns from injury, as does hooker Jamie Blamire who rejoins the front row. Tom Penny is back at full-back, and the former Jersey Reds duo of James Elliott and John Hawkins are named to start at scrum half and lock respectively.

Henry Slade of Exeter Chiefsn kicks the penalty to take the lead during the Gallagher Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Gloucester Rugby at Sandy Park, Exeter on 19th Nov 2023. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

Exeter Chiefs Head Coach Rob Baxter has not made a single change to his side, following their South West derby win over Gloucester. The men from Devon clinched a 25-24 victory over the Cherry and Whites, thanks to the last-minute penalty of Henry Slade. The England hopeful returns to the centre, as does his midfield running-buddy Joe Hawkins. With no changes in the starting side, Baxter’s rotations are found amongst the replacements bench.

Max Norey and veteran Alec Hepburn return to the fold after impressing in a Monday night friendly against Bristol Bears. Tom Hendrickson also returns to the squad, and Stu Townsend retains his bench spot after diving over for a try against Gloucester last time out. Following on from his first start of the season last weekend, Aidon Davis earns him a second start in alongside Ethan Roots and Jacques Vermeulen in the Chiefs back-row. 

RUCK Prediction: Newcastle Falcons 19 – 26 Exeter Chiefs

NEWCASTLE FALCONS

Callum Chick of Newcastle Falcons and Sebastian de Chaves of Newcastle Falcons during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Newcastle Falcons at the Recreation Ground on 31 December 2022. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

15. Tom Penny 14. Adam Radwan 13. Matias Moroni 12. Cameron Hutchison 11. Iwan Stephens 10. Louie Johnson 9. James Elliott 1. Phil Brantingham 2. Jamie Blamire 3. Eduardo Bello 4. John Hawkins 5. Kiran McDonald 6. Pedro Rubiolo 7. Guy Pepper 8. Callum Chick (c)

Replacements

16 Bryan Byrne 17. Adam Brocklebank 18. Murray McCallum 19. Philip van der Walt 20. Sam Cross, 21. Hugh O’Sullivan 22. Rory Jennings 23. Louis Brown.

EXETER CHIEFS

Try Celebrations for Rus Tuima of Exeter Chiefs as he goes over for a try during the Premiership Rugby Cup match between Exeter Chiefs and Gloucester Rugby at Sandy Park on 4 December 2022. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

15. Tommy Wyatt  14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso 13. Henry Slade  12. Joe Hawkins 11. Ben Hammersley 10. Harvey Skinner 9. Tom Cairns  1. Scott Sio 2. Jack Yeandle 3. Ehren Painter 4. Rusi Tuima 5. Dafydd Jenkins (c) 6. Jacques Vermeulen 7. Ethan Roots 8. Aidon Davis 

Replacements

16. Max Norey  17. Alec Hepburn  18. Josh Iosefa-Scott  19. Lewis Pearson  20. Ross Vintcent  21. Stu Townsend  22. Will Haydon-Wood 23. Tom Hendrickson 

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