Match Preview

Exeter Chiefs

v

London Welsh

This week see's the Chiefs entertain London Welsh at Sandy Park with both sides showing good form at this stage of the season.

Since last these two sides met, London Welsh Chief Executive Peter Thomas has worked hard to secure the necessary finance to relaunch the Welsh with a full-time playing squad for the first time since the onset of professional rugby.

Director of coaching Martin Jones has seemingly taken full advantage in shaping his team of 40+ players including 13 incoming players among them some seasoned professionals as well as some bright young talent.

Amongst the newcomers is prolific points scorer Aled Thomas an Outside Half, who has played for Newport Gwent Dragons as well as the national 7's team, and ex-Osprey's lock forward Mike Powell.

Typically London Welsh play a very open and entertaining brand of Rugby and it will be interesting to witness the progress of Ed Lewis-Pratt, who has signed from the London Irish Academy, as he settles into the number 15 shirt. Ed has representetive honours for England at 16 and 19 age group levels and is aparantely best rugby mates with a cetain Danny Cipriani.

London Welsh have 5 wins to their credit so far this season, and remain unbeaten (3) on their travels away from home at Moseley, Sedgely Park and Plymouth Albion. To date their only losses are to league front runners Leeds and Bedford.

Last week saw them secure local bragging rights over Esher, but they will be expecting a much harder game this week against an Exeter Chiefs side who are currently racking up the points and scoring tries for fun.

The Chiefs have scored 154 points in their first 3 home games which include 22 tries (one of which was a penalty try).

All in all the stage is set for a real feast of running rugby and another opportunity for the Sandy Park scoreboard to work overtime.

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