Exeter look to revive against buoyant Bristol

Exeter look to revive against buoyant Bristol

The third clash of Round 6 takes the form of a potential cracker as Pat Lam’s Bristol Bears travel to Sandy Park to throw their best at reigning champions Exeter Chiefs.

Both teams each have 20 points behind their names with Exeter holding onto the top spot through a superior points difference only.

Both sides have 4 victories from 5 outings – Exeter’s only loss occurring in the last when, somewhat unexpectedly, they were given a 34-5 hiding by Wasps at the Ricoh Arena.

Bristol’s blemish on their record happened in Round 1 as they suffered a 3-point loss to Wasps, also at the Ricoh Arena. Since them, they have brushed aside Worcester, Northampton, Harlequins and the Falcons with some impressive form.

In the previous round, Bristol downed Newcastle Falcons 29-17. The latter put on a typically brave display and forced the Bears to dig deep to assure themselves victory in a thrilling encounter.


 

Exeter, on the other hand, tasted defeat for the first time in this campaign as their rivalry with Wasps did not end in their favour. The final score was as unflattering as it was unexpected; 34-5.


The last result between these two ended in a 3-point win for the Chiefs as the round stages of the 2019-20 tournament began to draw to close. It was a courageous display from Bristol who were kept under the thumb in the first stanza but mounted a great fight-back in the second. Exeter’s might, however, proved too strong in the end.

These teams have produced some fantastic rugby in the recent past, making this one something to look forward to.

TEAMS:

Rob Baxter has made a number of changes to his starting line-up with recalls to the pack for England internationals Luke Cowan-Dickie, Harry Williams and Jonny Hill, while behind another of Eddie Jones’ men returns in the shape of Henry Slade at outside centre. The other change in personnel sees Aussie Jack Walsh handed his first-ever Premiership start at full-back.

On the bench, Scotland international Sam Skinner returns for the first time since Exeter’s win over Glasgow Warriors in the Heineken Champions Cup, whilst there are inclusions for Sam Maunder, Corey Baldwin and James Short.

Ben Earl returns to the starting line-up for Bristol as Pat Lam makes six changes for Exeter Chiefs. Pat Lam welcomes back his front rowers after their period of self-isolation as Jake Woolmore and Bryan Byrne come into the side, while Kyle Sinckler also starts. Luke Morahan is named in the backline for his first start of the campaign and Harry Randall also returns at scrum half. John Afoa, Yann Thomas and Will Capon are listed among the replacements for the Sandy Park clash.

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