Chiefs side to face Bristol

Ahead of kick-off, Baxter - who is also shy of eight players on international duty this weekend - concedes that by resting so many of his big-name players will be deemed a risky strategy, but one that could ultimately pay huge dividends come the end of the season.

“We’ve had a great start to the season, but equally I am semi-scared and semi-excited about this weekend’s game,” said Baxter. “The result against Bristol and over this next eight-game block will be the deciding factor about whether we have got their period correct or not.

“This is where we have to wait and see if our management has been correct and whether it was the right thing to do. Over the last few weeks we have rested a whole lot of players during the Premiership Rugby Cup block, a decision we feel will be very positive over the course of the season, but at the same time we have to see how we react this week against Bristol.

“Yes, there is a danger we will be a little rusty, but at the same time we should also have a large group of players who are fresh and well rested. That should help us in some elements against Bristol, but obviously it will also help in some elements over the next few weeks and the rest of the season, providing we get out rest periods correct.

“We’ve done this for a couple of reasons, one of which is we want to be at our best later in the season when the big games come around, but the gamble is that you have to get there first. The other reason is that if this is going to be the format going forward, with slightly longer rest periods, if we can get our heads round how to maximise them quickly, then that should work for us.”

“This period, I believe, will be really interesting for us because I want to see if we can find that same consistent form that we were displaying in the Premiership just five or six weeks ago - or whether we do have to restart ourselves again.

“Obviously, the proof will be in the pudding at the weekend. Bristol are a side who are playing well, they beat a strong Wasps side last week, away from home, so it shows they are a team feeling pretty good about themselves. 

"Charles Piutau is back playing again and he’s a threat all on his own, and they look like they are enjoying their rugby right now, which I don’t like to see in an opposition side.I say that just because I like to think that is how we look ourselves as well, so it’s going to be a tough challenge at the weekend, but one that I see our group of players really looking forward to.”

As Baxter eluded to, many of the those rested over the last three-week block return to the fray. However, there are a handful of those who helped the Chiefs to defeat Harlequins a week ago who also start, including Wales and British Lions winger Alex Cuthbert, lock Mitch Lees and No.8 Tom Lawday.

On the bench, Aussie international scrum-half Nic White has now recovered from a broken foot and is included for the first time since the opening day victory at home to Leicester Tigers, while there are inclusions for young props Billy Keast and Marcus Street after impressive displays in the recent Cup victories over Bath and Harlequins.