Exeter Chiefs are set to face Cardiff Rugby in their final pool match of the EPCR Challenge Cup, held at Sandy Park. The Chiefs aim to secure a win to improve their chances for a favorable knockout round draw.
Match Preview: Chiefs vs. Cardiff
The Chiefs have made several changes to their lineup for this crucial encounter. Paul Brown-Bampoe returns to the starting position after a successful performance last week, while Stephen Varney comes back following a brief injury sidelining.
Rob Baxter, the Chiefs’ director of rugby, emphasized the need for improvement. He noted, “We’ve identified areas to enhance followings our match against Stade Francais, particularly discipline and set piece efficiency.”
Key Players to Watch
The Exeter side features notable players:
- Scott Sio: Starting at loosehead, after scoring two tries last week.
- Dafydd Jenkins: The match captain, expected to face several of his Wales teammates.
- Stephen Varney: Resuming his partnership with fly-half Harvey Skinner.
Both teams show promise this season. Baxter highlighted Cardiff’s competitive nature, particularly at the breakdown. He stated, “They play rugby effectively and are dangerous when they gain momentum.”
Lineup Details
The Chiefs’ starting lineup includes a mix of experience and youth:
- 15 Olly Woodburn
- 14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
- 13 Henry Slade
- 12 Will Haydon-Wood
- 11 Paul Brown-Bampoe
- 10 Harvey Skinner
- 9 Stephen Varney
- 1 Scott Sio
- 2 Joseph Dweba
- 3 Bachuki Tchumbadze
- 4 Dafydd Jenkins (c)
- 5 Andrea Zambonin
- 6 Tom Hooper
- 7 Ethan Roots
- 8 Kane James
The bench includes Julian Heaven, Will Goodrick-Clarke, Jimmy Roots, Rusi Tuima, Lewis Pearson, Richard Capstick, Charlie Chapman, and Ben Hammersley, who has recovered from a shoulder injury.
Significance of Home Knockout Draw
A winning outcome is critical for the Chiefs as they strive for home-field advantage in the knockout stages. Baxter explained, “We aim to keep our home form strong. No team should find it easy to earn points, meters, or tries at Sandy Park.”
The match is scheduled to kick off at 13:00. Tickets are still available for those looking to support the Chiefs as they seek a commanding victory against Cardiff Rugby.
