Team News: Baxter Names Chiefs Squad for Bayonne Clash

Rob Baxter has made five changes to his starting line-up for Chiefs’ Investec Champions Cup final pool stage clash with Bayonne on Sunday, January 21.

Recently named in the Scotland squad, Alec Hepburn starts at loosehead alongside Dan Frost at hooker and Ehren Painter at tighthead.

Returned to full-fitness, and newly announced as the Welsh international captain, Dafydd Jenkins returns to the side to pair Rusi Tuima in the second row.

The back row is a settled one of Ethan Roots – selected this week by Steve Borthwick’s England – Jacques Vermeulen and Greg Fisilau.

Tom Cairns and Harvey Skinner start in the halfbacks together while there is some re-organisation in the remainder of the backfield.

Josh Hodge makes his return from an injury sustained against Harlequins in Round Two of the Gallagher Premiership to start at full-back. Olly Woodburn is reintroduced to the matchday side, on the wing with Ben Hammersley.

And, fresh off a return to the international fold, Henry Slade starts at outside centre with Ollie Devoto on the inside in the 12 shirt.

Director of Rugby Rob Baxter does not expect Bayonne to put out a weak side against Chiefs – on the contrary, he expects a real challenge for his young side as they look to secure a home Round of 16 fixture.

“It’s an interesting situation as we play pretty much the last game of the whole round. Northampton Saints play Munster the night before we play, so we’ll know exactly what we need to get the second spot and potentially the first spot. So, I think those are all interesting challenges, especially for a young group.

“There’s no point trying not to watch their game to know what we need to do but ensuring it doesn’t become a distraction is what will be important.

“Northampton’s result against Bayonne has slightly clouded what Bayonne have been about. Their recent results in the Top 14 are really pretty good, and so, I think people have to be a little more aware that they’re a tough nut to crack at home.

“They’ll be fired up following last week’s game. We’ve got to turn up with an incredible amount of energy and enthusiasm, and we’re going to have to get into the fight for 80 minutes. If we turn up like that, we give ourselves a very good opportunity.”

On the bench, the replacement front row is formed by Danny Southworth, Jack Yeandle and Josh Iosefa-Scott. Remaining forward pack cover is provided by Lewis Pearson and Ross Vintcent – named this week in the Italian international squad.

Rounding out the replacements are Stu Townsend, Joe Hawkins and Zack Wimbush.

Exeter Chiefs:

15 Josh Hodge

14 Ben Hammersley

13 Henry Slade

12 Ollie Devoto

11 Olly Woodburn

10 Harvey Skinner

9 Tom Cairns

1 Alec Hepburn

2 Dan Frost

3 Ehren Painter

4 Rusi Tuima

5 Dafydd Jenkins (c)

6 Ethan Roots

7 Jacques Vermeulen

8 Greg Fisilau

Replacements:

16 Jack Yeandle

17 Danny Southworth

18 Josh Iosefa-Scott

19 Lewis Pearson

20 Ross Vintcent

21 Stu Townsend

22 Joe Hawkins

23 Zack Wimbush