Team News: Baxter Names Chiefs for Investec Champions Cup Third Round

January 12, 2024
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Ultimate Rugby

Rob Baxter has made five changes to his starting line-up for Chiefs’ Investec Champions Cup Round Three clash against Glasgow Warriors at Sandy Park on Saturday, January 13.

The changes begin in the front row with the familiar face of Alec Hepburn. The loosehead prop makes his first start of the season having featured off the bench in recent weeks following his return from glandular fever.

Jack Yeandle captains the side from hooker with Ehren Painter the other side of him in the tighthead berth.

Rusi Tuima and Lewis Pearson start in the boiler room of the second row as Dafydd Jenkins is absent from the matchday side.

The hard-hitting back row remains intact as Jacques Vermeulen and Ethan Roots start on the flanks with Greg Fisilau at eight.

Tom Cairns returns to the starting line-up, as Stu Townsend moves to the bench. Harvey Skinner starts alongside Cairns at fly-half. There is a new-look centre partnership on the field as Rory O’Loughlin partners Henry Slade with Joe Hawkins on the bench.

The back three is becoming a familiar one as Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Ben Hammersley start on the wings with Tommy Wyatt at fullback.

Director of Rugby Rob Baxter says his side are looking to keep momentum as they head back into the prestigious competition this weekend.

“Obviously there was some emotional disappointment following the Northampton game last weekend, there were some learnings for us, but I think we’ve dealt with those things now and we’re ready to move on.”

“In recent years, we’ve had a lot of ambition to do well at the frontline of the Investec Champions Cup competition. It’s always peaked our interest and peaked our energy.”

“The truth is the lads are really excited about these two weeks – they’re looking forward to the Glasgow game and the Bayonne trip. First and foremost, we want to put a big performance on the pitch. Everything around them is positive at the moment, but a lot of what happens is down to them and how hard they’re working.”

Dan Frost, Nika Abuladze and Josh Iosefa-Scott form the replacement front row. Matt Postlethwaite and Ross Vintcent can then be called upon for the second and back row.

For backline cover, Townsend and Hawkins are named alongside Zack Wimbush.

Exeter Chiefs:

15 Tommy Wyatt

14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso

13 Henry Slade

12 Rory O’Loughlin

11 Ben Hammersley

10 Harvey Skinner

9 Tom Cairns

1 Alec Hepburn

2 Jack Yeandle (c)

3 Ehren Painter