Team news: Chiefs have sights set on positive performance in home opener

Dafydd Jenkins comes into the starting line-up to captain Chiefs for the second round of PREM rugby against Newcastle Red Bulls on Saturday afternoon.

One week on from a late comeback to draw 33-33 with Northampton Saints, the Exeter men host the newly christened Red Bulls at Sandy Park in their home opener.

Chiefs’ director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “Following last weekend’s result, Northampton were probably gutted not to see the game home, and we’re probably delighted with the comeback.

“I think we’ve just got to show a little more resilience across longer periods of the game.

“The positive lesson we learned from it was that we’re a good side that’s got it in us to score tries and take points from games away from home. That resilience and positive momentum will be key for us going forward.”

The front row remains the same with Will Goodrick-Clarke, Joseph Dweba and Josh Iosefa-Scott having performed strongly in the opening cup and league games.

Captain Jenkins pairs fellow international Andrea Zambonin in the second row. Having failed a late fitness test last week, Ethan Roots is ready for action this weekend. He starts alongside Greg Fisilau and brace try-scorer Ross Vintcent in the back row.

Stephen Varney and Harvey Skinner start at scrum-half and fly-half while Henry Slade and Ben Hammerlsey retain their starting shirts in the centre.

Josh Hodge received a three-match ban following a red card for a dangerous tackle last Sunday so is unavailable for selection. Dan John starts at full-back in his absence with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Paul Brown-Bampoe running the wings.

Baxter said: “The challenge for us this weekend will be remaining highly competitive for long periods of the game. We’ve worked this week to have clarity on how to put the best of ourselves on show and not put ourselves under pressure.”

For the second week, Baxter selects a 6-2 bench split. Jack Yeandle, Kwenzo Blose and last weekend’s debutant Bachuki Tchumbadze form the replacement front row. Rusi Tuima, Lewis Pearson and Kane James bring a variety of cover to the second and back row.

Charlie Chapman and Nick Lilley remain the only back-line cover.

The game kicks off at 15:00 in Exeter live on TNT Sports while match tickets are still available here.

Exeter Chiefs:

15 Dan John

14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso

13 Henry Slade

12 Ben Hammersley

11 Paul Brown-Bampoe

10 Harvey Skinner

9 Stephen Varney

1 Will Goodrick-Clarke

2 Joseph Dweba

3 Josh Iosefa-Scott

4 Dafydd Jenkins (c)

5 Andrea Zambonin

6 Ethan Roots

7 Greg Fisilau

8 Ross Vintcent

Replacements:

16 Jack Yeandle

17 Kwenzo Blose

18 Bachuki Tchumbadze

19 Rusi Tuima

20 Lewis Pearson

21 Kane James

22 Charlie Chapman

23 Nick Lilley