One quick erratum from last week – the trials rider was Dougie Lampkin and they did eventually, on Sunday afternoon, put a few bits of him messing about in the north stand on Instagram. His contribution to the entrance wasn’t put out until Wednesday.
The trek to Sandy Park then and christ is this a big away day. In my, very unreliable, recollection; when we were both at a similar level, this match pretty much always went the way of the home team thanks to the mammoth journey involved. Whether or not that’s actually true, this is not an away game that is particularly appetising, even with the comfortable modern coaches and planes available to modern professional sports outfits.
Seven hundred mile round trip aside, getting anything from this game looks a pretty tough task. Exeter are last years defeated finalists and remain a quality outfit filled with experienced internationals and top-flight stalwarts. They are also without a win and will be smarting after two close losses and looking to make a statement in front of their home fans to kick start their season. Rob Baxter confirmed as much in his pre-match ramblings and it leaves the trip to Sandy Park looking like a pretty scary prospect.
As far as the team news goes, it’s five changes from the side defeated at home last week. Zack Henry and Simón Benítez-Cruz get the nod at halfbacks after energetic cameos against Leicester and Werner Kok is back from injury on the wing with Sammy Arnold coming in at centre. The big, in many ways, news though; is the debut for Zuriel Togiatama, in at hooker for George McGuigan. I love to see a Fijian front row and hopefully he gets the chance to show off some moves although he fronts up against the experience of Chiefs captain Jack Yeandle in his first game. I’m expecting the difference in appearance numbers to feature heavily in the TV coverage.
No other changes up front, disappointing not to see Ollie Leatherbarrow get more of a look in after shining off the bench in the opening two rounds.
Couple of changes for Exeter through injury, they also welcome Tom Hooper back to the bench having been stood down from international duty. It is Bledisloe Cup weekend so watch for some fireworks if he comes opposite our all kiwi back row.
Danger man – Immanuel Feyi-Wabosi. Given how easy we look to get around at the moment, good quality wingers are absolutely terrifying to me. Add his size, speed and quality finishing to being fed by the likes of Henry Slade and it could be a long day out wide for Red Bulls.
Prediction – I’d love to see us pick up another point here but that feels quite like wishful thinking, the head says Exeter win by two scores.
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