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Weather Forecast as at 1030 Friday

Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze from the south
Temperature 18 degrees
Precipitation is not expected

TV Coverage

Channel 408 TNT Sports 1 SD 1430 - 1715
Channel 430 TNT Sports 1 HD 1430 - 1715

Match Officials

Referee: Matthew Carley

ARs: Harry Walbaum & Jonathan Healy

TMO: Stuart Terheege

Teams will be posted when announced, usually after 1200.

Exeter Chiefs:

15 Ben Hammersley

14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso

13 Henry Slade

12 Will Butt

11 Olly Woodburn

10 Harvey Skinner

9 Stephen Varney

1 Ethan Burger

2 Jack Yeandle

3 Josh Iosefa-Scott

4 Dafydd Jenkins (c)

5 Harry Wilson

6 Ethan Roots

7 Kane James

8 Greg Fisilau

Replacements:

16 Louie Gulley

17 Will Goodrick-Clarke

18 Jimmy Roots

19 Oscar Beckerleg

20 Joe Bailey

21 Jake Murray

22 Will Haydon-Wood

23 Zack Wimbush

Gloucester Rugby

15 | Ben Redshaw

14 | Will Joseph

13 | Phil Cokanasiga

12 | Seb Atkinson (vc)

11 | Ben Loader

10 | Charlie Atkinson

09 | Caolan Englefield

1 | Val Rapava-Ruskin

2 | Dewi Lake* (c)

3 | Afo Fasogbon

4 | Jean Kleyn*

5 | Arthur Clark

6 | Freddie Thomas

7 | Jac Morgan* (vc)

8 | Will Trenholm

Replacements

16 | Jack Innard

17 | Dian Bleuler

18 | Ciaran Knight

19 | Jack Clement

20 | Lewis Ludlow

21 | Dan Robson

22 | Junior Denny

23 | George Barton

Was hoping this was going to be a banker for us, but that is a strong Glos team. Could be a close game, as it was at Kingsholm at the end of last season, but home advantage will hopefully see us through.

Chiefs 32 - 25 Glos

The 23 on paper looks a shadow of last year’s successful unit in terms of depth and quality imo. Yes we have a lot of injuries and players still abroad but still some very strange selections. Our bench looks very weak compared to Gloucester with some notable international quality omissions, players who were brilliant last season not featuring plus Wolstenholm who I thought looked a great back up 9 in the prem cup and friendlies.

I hope I’ve read it totally wrong but cannot see anything but a very comfortable Gloucester win.

Chiefs 24 Gloucester 38

The front row battle will be interesting!
Chiefs 31 - 19 Gloss

Deep breath, Exe to win 36 - 21.

As we are at home:
Exeter 32-22 Gloucester

As always, Chiefs 31; Gloucester 26

Quote:

Andy15.1
The 23 on paper looks a shadow of last year’s successful unit in terms of depth and quality imo. Yes we have a lot of injuries and players still abroad but still some very strange selections. Our bench looks very weak compared to Gloucester with some notable international quality omissions, players who were brilliant last season not featuring plus Wolstenholm who I thought looked a great back up 9 in the prem cup and friendlies.
I hope I’ve read it totally wrong but cannot see anything but a very comfortable Gloucester win.

Chiefs 24 Gloucester 38

I think it's me so apologies, but who is missing that's currently available? It read to me as the best available given international rest/unavailability and general injuries.

MC - Dweba and Tchumbadze both good enough for a prem semi and final but the coaches are paid to pick the teams I suppose we are just spectators.

Glad to see Gulley, Bailey, Beckerleg and Wimbush on the bench, time for some more of the next generation to put their claim in for regular first team starts. Experience wise, yes, the bench is a bit light but the only way they will get it is by playing.

Think it's going to be a close one.

Chiefs 31 Glos 26

It is a decent looking team but as last season showed the squad depth is our problem.
We were heavily reliant on a certain few players playing an awful lot of minutes and when they were missing we were not as good as when the missing players were playing.
With there being so few matches in the Prem every game is vital so we need a good start as catching up is very hard without the games.
I really hope our squad players have improved.
We are at home so i am confident we can start with a W.
It is good to see Oscar and Joe getting a place in the 23,hope they take their opportunity 👍

Quote:

Zyder head
It is a decent looking team but as last season showed the squad depth is our problem.
We were heavily reliant on a certain few players playing an awful lot of minutes and when they were missing we were not as good as when the missing players were playing.
With there being so few matches in the Prem every game is vital so we need a good start as catching up is very hard without the games.
I really hope our squad players have improved.
We are at home so i am confident we can start with a W.
It is good to see Oscar and Joe getting a place in the 23,hope they take their opportunity 👍

And your score prediction is?

Would agree with you ZH, the number of fixtures are so few each one is very important. Looking at the fixtures when they came out youd have had Gloucester at home to be a home win. Thats no disrespect to Gloucester. With the exception of Saints and maybe Bath id expect to win most home games.

Looking at the teams though it could wrll be closer than we'd hope for. We all know that squad depth was our main issue last year. Lets hope signings like wilson and butt can improve that, along with the development of our younger players.

Are both our Georgian props missing due to international commitments? Any news on PBB?

A good start is key to confidence so im hoping for Chiefs 36 Gloucester 21

Quote:

Lowerwatha

Quote:

Zyder head
It is a decent looking team but as last season showed the squad depth is our problem.
We were heavily reliant on a certain few players playing an awful lot of minutes and when they were missing we were not as good as when the missing players were playing.
With there being so few matches in the Prem every game is vital so we need a good start as catching up is very hard without the games.
I really hope our squad players have improved.
We are at home so i am confident we can start with a W.
It is good to see Oscar and Joe getting a place in the 23,hope they take their opportunity 👍

And your score prediction is?

I don't do score predictions,never have done,but I will say Chiefs by 7 after a good first 60 minutes 👍

Hoping for a statement of intent, and frankly, expecting it too!
Chiefs 33 : Glaws 26

In Rob we trust.
By the way - cream on first. There's nothing to debate.

First Premiership match is always difficult to call but hopefully preseason has put everyone back in shape. Home advantage is perhaps the difference.

Chiefs 33 Glos 27.

Hammersley continues to have the coaches faith, so i hope my doubts are misplaced. Id really like to see Wimbush involved as much as possible this season, so i hope he gets some decent match time. And Gulley.

Chiefs 31 - 25 Glaws

Chiefs 28 - 26 Glos

Chiefs 33 Gloucester 21

Selection is often a puzzle and this team looks a few players away from our best. Some we know are injuries Zambonin, Ridl, PBB and poor Wyatt. Not sure of some of the front row selections. A season home win against Gloucs a must but will be nervy Chiefs 32 Gloucs 29

Coming down for this one from Bedfordshire, hopefully a home win to celebrate my recent birthday! Chiefs 36 Glaws 19.