Exeter and Bulls in heavyweight clash

Exeter and Bulls in heavyweight clash

Something will have to give as Exeter Chiefs welcome Vodacom Bulls in the Champions Cup on Saturday.

Both sides opened their campaigns last week with bonus-point victories, Vodacom Bulls beating Lyon 42-36 at home, and Exeter running out 27-12 winners on the road at Castres Olympique.

It is Heineken Champions Cup debutants Vodacom Bulls’ first match against Gallagher Premiership opposition in the competition, and the 2020 champions will offer a serious test at Sandy Park.

The Pool A match kicks off at 13:00 (UK & Irish time), and can be watched on ITV, BT Sport, SuperSport, beIN SPORTS and FloRugby.

     
     

Key quotes


Exeter Chiefs prop Ben Moon: “If they’re anything like the South Africans we’ve got, then [they’ll bring] a lot of physicality. They tell us a lot of stories from back home. I’m sure they’ll live up to that.”

Vodacom Bulls coach Jake White: “I’ve worked the plan out, and we are going to stick to it. I think these boys who have just beaten Lyon are obviously chomping at the bit to go on tour and play against Exeter.”

Exeter Chiefs

  • Exeter made more clear-outs at the ruck than any other team in Round 1 – although their ball retention at attacking rucks was 92 per cent, lower than everyone else apart from Ulster Rugby.
  • They were dangerous on the attack in Round 1, either scoring a try or winning a penalty every time they entered the Castres 22 – the best rate of any team last week.
  • The Chiefs are now on a three-match winning streak in all competitions.

Vodacom Bulls

  • The Bulls scored two tries from scrums last week, a joint round-high, level with Sale Sharks.
  • They have won all of their five most recent matches.
     
     

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