Braves side to face Gloucester

By Mark Stevens
4/1/19

Jack Nowell returns to competitive action for the first time since November when he lines-up in the Exeter Braves side to face Gloucester in their latest Premiership Rugby Shield encounter at Kingsholm (3pm).

The British & Irish Lions winger has not played since suffering a hamstring tear whilst in training with England during the Autumn Internationals. His return, however, is ahead of schedule and is a timely boost both for club and country at the start of the New Year.

The Cornishman comes into a Braves side looking to bounce back after suffering their first loss of the season last time out against Bath.  

Having impressed in their away win at Harlequins the previous week, the Braves were comprehensively seen off by a strong Bath outfit, eventually going down 42-7 at the Recreation Ground.

Coach Haydn Thomas was disappointed with that showing, but is confident he will see a response from his side against the Cherry & Whites tomorrow.

"Obviously, we're looking to learn lessons from the last game against Bath," he said. "We didn't put in a performance that day, which was disappointing, but we have a great chance to put things right on Saturday. 

"We know Gloucester, especially playing at Kingsholm, will be a tough test, but we have got a very good side out and I am really excited to see how they take this challenge on and see how they've improved in this past two weeks."

BRAVES SIDE TO FACE GLOUCESTER 

15 Sam Morley
14 Jack Nowell
13 Max Bodilly
12 Barry Karea
11 James Short
10 Harvey Skinner
9 Sam Maunder
1 Billy Keast
2 Jack Innard
3 Marcus Street
4 Toby Salmon
5 Josh Caulfield
6 James McRae (capt)
7 Richard Capstick
8 Rus Tuima

16 Max Norey
17 James Kenny
18 Patrick Schickerling
19 Jake Clemson
20 Flynn Elworthy
21 Pierre Thompson
22 Luke Mehson
23 Shea Cornish