Braves side to face Quins

By Mark Stevens
4/9/17

Exeter Braves kick-off their Aviva A League campaign this evening when they make the trip to rivals Harlequins for their opening game in the Southern Group (7:30pm).

Champions two seasons ago, Ricky Pellow's side failed to reach the latter stages of last season's competition, so will be hoping to start with a big display in the capital.

In what is the first of two fixtures for the Braves this week – the other comes on Saturday at home to Bristol (5:!5pm) – the Devon club have selected a powerful line-up for tonight's clash.

Summer signings Toby Salmon, Wilhelm van der Sluys and James Freeman all start in a Braves pack, which also includes international props Moray Low and Greg Holmes.

Also included from the outset are experienced flanker Julian Salvi and lock Mitch Lees, the latter of whom is making his first appearance since featuring off the bench in May's Premiership Final win against Wasps.

In the back division, Will Chudley and Joe Simmonds will spearhead the Exeter attack, which also includes newcomer Tom O'Flaherty on the right wing and highly-promising full-back Sal M'Boge, who has impressed many during pre-season.

Looking ahead to tonight's game, Pellow said: "As a club we are really looking forward to starting the new A League season. It’s a competition which has served us well ever since we got into the Premiership, not just in terms of helping the development pathway for young players, but also for allowing more senior guys to push their claims for a place in the first team.

“Going away to Harlequins we know is always a tough test, but I think this game will give us a good indicator of where we are as a squad. We’re looking for all the guys to go out there, work hard, do the basics right and really put in a decent shift.”

BRAVES SIDE TO FACE HARLEQUINS

15 Sal M'Boge
14 Tom O'Flaherty
13 Tom Hendrickson
12 Harvey Skinner
11 Pete Laverick
10 Joe Simmonds
9 Will Chudley
1 Moray Low
2 Shaun Malton
3 Greg Holmes
4 Toby Salmon
5 Mitch Lees
6 Wilhelm van der Sluys
7 Julian Salvi (capt)
8 James Freeman

16 Jack Innard
17 Billy Keast
18 Jack Owlett
19 Sean Lonsdale
20 Tom Lawday
21 Stuart Townsend
22 Sam Morley
23 Harrison Cully