Team News: Chiefs Name Side for Premiership Round 18 Decider

Rob Baxter has made two changes to his Chiefs matchday squad to take on Leicester Tigers at Mattioli Woods Welford Road in the final round of the Gallagher Premiership this Saturday afternoon, May 18.

Chiefs travel to take on Dan McKellar’s men in a clash which will have important implications on the hopes of a top four spot for Baxter’s squad.

In the front row, Max Norey moves into the starting line-up for club-captain Jack Yeandle who took a knee knock in last weekend’s fixture. He starts alongside the experienced duo of Scott Sio and Marcus Street.

The second and back row from the Harlequins win remains intact as Jack Dunne partners captain Dafydd Jenkins in the boiler room. The confronting back row is formed by Ethan Roots, Jacques Vermeulen and Greg Fisilau.

Following a player of the match performances in Round 17, Harvey Skinner retains his place at fly half with Tom Cairns once more his scrum half while the newly re-signed Henry Slade pairs up with Joe Hawkins in the centre for a third consecutive week.

Having scored three tries between them last week, the back three is made up of Dan John, Olly Woodburn and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.

Director of Rugby Rob Baxter says he expects the fixture to be a fierce battle, but that he wouldn’t expect anything less after such a competitive Premiership season.

“Last weekend was an important day for the club in a lot of ways – a last home game of the season, a big crowd, a beautiful day at Sandy Park and the lads put in a performance they can be proud of.

“It was a great advert for the kind of rugby they’re capable of playing and a great advert for rugby in general. I’d like to think it’s one of those games that made people think they’re watching a team that is growing and they’ll want to come back to support us next year.

“Leicester are a proud club, this weekend they’re going to want to put on a performance like we did last weekend in their last home game. We’re very aware that we’ve got to turn up and perform very well.

“I’m expecting Tigers to be very competitive. Away wins are something to be cherished, and they have been all season in the Premiership. Nobody has given away their home fixtures easily at any stage. Going away to Leicester trying to get yourself into the top four should always be a big game, and a tough game, so that’s what we’re expecting.”

On the bench Dan Frost returns to match fitness to lay in wait alongside Billy Keast and Ehren Painter. Christ Tshiunza and Ross Vintcent then provide a bolstering impact for the second and back row.

Trusted with the reigns for the back replacement berths for another week are scrum half Niall Armstrong, fly half Will Haydon-Wood and utility back Zack Wimbush.

Exeter Chiefs:

15 Dan John

14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso

13 Henry Slade

12 Joe Hawkins

11 Olly Woodburn

10 Harvey Skinner

9 Tom Cairns

1 Scott Sio

2 Max Norey

3 Marcus Street

4 Jack Dunne

5 Dafydd Jenkins (c)

6 Ethan Roots

7 Jacques Vermeulen

8 Greg Fisilau

Replacements:

16 Dan Frost

17 Billy Keast

18 Ehren Painter

19 Christ Tshiunza

20 Ross Vintcent

21 Niall Armstrong

22 Will Haydon-Wood

23 Zack Wimbush