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Exeter Chiefs:

15 Josh Hodge

14 Paul Brown-Bampoe

13 Ben Hammersley

12 Zack Wimbush

11 Olly Woodburn

10 Harvey Skinner

9 Sam Maunder


1 Scott Sio

2 Dan Frost

3 Ehren Painter

4 Rusi Tuima

5 Richard Capstick

6 Ethan Roots

7 Jacques Vermeulen

8 Greg Fisilau


Replacements:

16 Jack Yeandle

17 Will Goodrick-Clarke

18 Josh Iosefa-Scott

19 Jack Dunne

20 Martin Moloney

21 Tom Cairns

22 Will Haydon-Wood

23 Joe Hawkins

Ospreys

15 Max Nagy
14 Luke Morgan
13 Phil Cockansiga
12 Kieren Williams
11 Ryan Conbeer
10 Dan Edwards
9 Reuben Morgan-Williams
8 Morgan Morris
7 Jac Morgan
6 Tristan Davies
5 Huw Sutton
4 James Ratti
3 Matt Iorwerth-Scott
2 Sam Parry
1 Caryn Phillips


16 Stefan Thomas
17 Lewis Lloyd
18 Ethan Lewis
19 Tom Botha
20 Lewis Jones
21 Justin Tuperic
22 Harri Deaves
23 Morgan Morse
Luke Davies
Jack Walsh
Connor Moyse
Luke Scully
Tom Florence
Iestyn Hopkins
Harri Houston

Weather Forecast

Thundery showers and a gentle breeze from the north east
Temperature 18 degrees but will feel like 21 degrees
Chance of Precipitation

I really can't do other than go for a Chiefs win. Let's hear an enthusiastic tribe getting behind our boys to give them all the encouragement to start the season proper full of confidence.

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

Former Chief Jack Walsh on the bench makes things very interesting. He never really did lock onto that starting position when he played for us. Glad to see he's doing so well for Ospreys, though!

This should be a bit more vocal than last outing apart from the CP supporters the ground was very quiet, but this is a higher level of opposition. Look forward to seeing that back line, weather permitting a lot of skill and pace in the team.

East Terrace Central
Our roads are paved with hope, and there are no stop signs.
"COME ON EXE!"

Capstick starting at lock is an interesting call. I would love to watch this match. How hard would it be to stream it somehow? 😡🤬😡

Chiefs by 30 .

Is it unreserved seating again or can I actually sit in the seat I've paid for!?🤨

You can always sit in the seat you paid for if you get there early enough, just like us that are committed in the Library.

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

Thanks for that comment, didn't really answer my question though. Are you insinuating that I'm not "committed"?

No, of course not! 🙂 We're not all fortunate to be able to afford seats in the West Stand, but do like to occupy the same area for each game. That means getting in early - usually 2 hours before KO for me and those I stand with. Just a friendly (I thought) dig at a first world problem. Sorry if it offended you.

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

We're all on the same side...

And it is supposed to be friendly anyway. I just wish that I could be there anywhere. Even in the SW Comms stand. 🤣

COYC



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:09:07:05:06:25 by Not Manichean.

Absolutely, NM
I'm glad to see you're keeping spirits high, despite everything. Be lucky, friend.

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

Just thought I'd add the women's match into this thread.

Gloucester-Hartpury v Exeter Chiefs W

at Hartpury University Stadium
Kick-off at 2 p.m.

Exeter Chiefs Women

15 Merryn Doidge
14 Eilidh Sinclair
13 Naomi Brennan
12 Gabby Cantorna
11 Georgina Tasker*
10 Liv McGoverne
9 Flo Robinson
1 Demi Swann
2 Kayleigh Priest*
3 Hannah Sams
4 Poppy Leitch (c)
5 Niamh Orchard
6 Ebony Jefferies
7 Maisy Allen
8 Emily Robinson*

16 Millie Whitehouse*
17 Abby Middlebrooke
18 Flo Long*
19 Zara Feaunati*
20 Taz Bricknell
21 Lucy Nye*
22 Katie Buchanan
23 Molly Saunders*

*Club debuts

Quote:

DumnoniiNomad
No, of course not! 🙂 We're not all fortunate to be able to afford seats in the West Stand, but do like to occupy the same area for each game. That means getting in early - usually 2 hours before KO for me and those I stand with. Just a friendly (I thought) dig at a first world problem. Sorry if it offended you.

I'm too long in the tooth to be offended by flippant remarks, I just asked a question. I cut my cloth accordingly to be able to commit to a seat as I can't stand for long periods, each to their own.

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Chief Bert

Quote:

DumnoniiNomad
No, of course not! 🙂 We're not all fortunate to be able to afford seats in the West Stand, but do like to occupy the same area for each game. That means getting in early - usually 2 hours before KO for me and those I stand with. Just a friendly (I thought) dig at a first world problem. Sorry if it offended you.

I'm too long in the tooth to be offended by flippant remarks, I just asked a question. I cut my cloth accordingly to be able to commit to a seat as I can't stand for long periods, each to their own.

Enjoy the match CB

Surprised by that. Looking at the teams I thought Exeter would win comfortably.
Only a friendly and I'm sure you'll be there or thereabouts when things get serious in the Prem.
Good luck.

Well, congratulations to the Ospreys!

I'd rather we lose at home during these fun, but inconsequential, matches where nothing is at stake.

Mistakes made. Lessons to be learned. Next job. #COYC

Well done Ospreys!

Not what I predicted at all. Shows how much I know.

A very poor performance by Exeter. No leadership on the pitch and Harvey giving another poor performance. Why would a fly half come to us when they know they won’t be given a chance. Either Harvey has something on the coaches or the finances are that bad.

A thoroughly depressing performance and whilst the conditions were difficult we created ZERO as an attacking threat as every possession wherever on the pitch even their 22 we kicked the ball away. Our most attacking threat in Brown was starved of the ball and I can’t recall Skinner passing the ball ONCE to our centres!
We lost possession in contact numerous times and never looked like getting a turnover at the breakdown.

The only positives Woodburn and Brown played well, and it looked like we didn’t pick up any injuries.

Negatives - playing a flanker at lock didn’t work, we look hopelessly thin in that position going into the Premiership. A number of our frontline players looked well off the pace imo. The one dimensional play from 10 would suggest we have no plan B for wet conditions and as such look a blunt team with no flair relying totally on an opposition mistake for points. You are not going to win many games with those tactics. Giving Hawkins 12m play was ridiculous not sure he even touched the ball?

If I had paid £25 to be entertained by Chiefs I would feel that I had been robbed!

Finally well played Ospreys deserved your win as you looked more dangerous with ball in hand than Chiefs in tough conditions.

Quote:

Andy15.1
A thoroughly depressing performance and whilst the conditions were difficult we created ZERO as an attacking threat as every possession wherever on the pitch even their 22 we kicked the ball away. Our most attacking threat in Brown was starved of the ball and I can’t recall Skinner passing the ball ONCE to our centres!
We lost possession in contact numerous times and never looked like getting a turnover at the breakdown.

The only positives Woodburn and Brown played well, and it looked like we didn’t pick up any injuries.

Negatives - playing a flanker at lock didn’t work, we look hopelessly thin in that position going into the Premiership. A number of our frontline players looked well off the pace imo. The one dimensional play from 10 would suggest we have no plan B for wet conditions and as such look a blunt team with no flair relying totally on an opposition mistake for points. You are not going to win many games with those tactics. Giving Hawkins 12m play was ridiculous not sure he even touched the ball?

If I had paid £25 to be entertained by Chiefs I would feel that I had been robbed!

Finally well played Ospreys deserved your win as you looked more dangerous with ball in hand than Chiefs in tough conditions.

Oh dear! Anyone want my season ticket. Seems the writing’s on the wall Andy 15.1😳

Pretty sure its a case of zero money available !
A former Chiefs forward ( a very good and popular one ) recently expressed an interest in a possible return and was offered an embarrassingly low salary, most Prem teams would offer 4 times what we did !

Totally agree Andy with the exception that Hodge also played well. No flair ,no surprises, and no heart out on the pitch. buck up boys as we are two weeks away from the start. Well played ospreys you looked good at defending and stuck the boot in at the end,

Quote:

Andy15.1
A thoroughly depressing performance and whilst the conditions were difficult we created ZERO as an attacking threat as every possession wherever on the pitch even their 22 we kicked the ball away. Our most attacking threat in Brown was starved of the ball and I can’t recall Skinner passing the ball ONCE to our centres!
We lost possession in contact numerous times and never looked like getting a turnover at the breakdown.

The only positives Woodburn and Brown played well, and it looked like we didn’t pick up any injuries.

Negatives - playing a flanker at lock didn’t work, we look hopelessly thin in that position going into the Premiership. A number of our frontline players looked well off the pace imo. The one dimensional play from 10 would suggest we have no plan B for wet conditions and as such look a blunt team with no flair relying totally on an opposition mistake for points. You are not going to win many games with those tactics. Giving Hawkins 12m play was ridiculous not sure he even touched the ball?

If I had paid £25 to be entertained by Chiefs I would feel that I had been robbed!

Finally well played Ospreys deserved your win as you looked more dangerous with ball in hand than Chiefs in tough conditions.

Yep, that pretty much summed it up.

I know Rob said in a pre-match interview, we might have to play a wet weather game, but it seemed to be just kicking away possession, and then mostly Chiefs spilling the ball.
We definitely need a better plan, although it did allow a good test of our defence as Ospreys brought more physicality.

And, I don't mind the pink.

Paul Brown-Bampoe definitely as threatening as Hodge, but please just pass it to him, not kick it.

Harsh to blame Harvey. I didn't see the match sadly, but if he was kicking the ball away that wouldn't have been his decision.

Best address the grumbles to Mr Hepher.

The conditions were appalling, so a kicking based strategy made sense and generally Harvey kicked pretty well, putting up several contestable kicks which Woodburn chased effectively. There were at least three offloads that were spilled that should have resulted in tries and then we’d have all been much happier. Our real problem was a total inability to hold onto the ball in contact - I lost count of how many times we dropped it. Maybe those pink shirts would benefit from some of that rubberised anti-slip coating on the front! We also seemed pretty blunt in the midfield. Every lineout was followed by Zach Wimbush trucking it up the middle and Ospreys coping with it with ease. I have to say, I’m not convinced by Hammersley at 13. I’d far prefer to see Hawkins or Rigg at 12 and Wimbush at 13. As others noted, the back three looked dangerous - Woodburn’s chasing of the high ball is legendary and Hodge and Paul B-B both looked dangerous, although it would be great to see Hodge pass the ball just before the contact rather than try and fail just after.
For me the highlight was the jazz band in the East Stand. I thought they were great and so much better than overblown piped pop music - reminiscent of what you hear at matches in France. Let’s hope they become a regular feature!

Shambles. We have the players, it’s just what they are being told to do. Maybe also who was selected for this game. It was clear we wanted to win this game because a lot of the bench didn’t get game time.
My view has been quite balanced about some of the previous criticisms against Sam M and Harvey S but fair to say today was not their day. If the idea was to kick because of the conditions, it was robotic and poorly executed. Sam chose to run a few times and spilled the ball. Cairns steady the ship to a degree.
Yes, we got a try from a Harvey kick. Lucky. Overall the return for kicks was poor. Rob’s comments confirm.
Setting out a game plan (post match Rob explanation) for playing away in poor conditions leaves me cold. Not much comfort for fans who paid good money.

Quote:

Not Manichean
Harsh to blame Harvey. I didn't see the match sadly, but if he was kicking the ball away that wouldn't have been his decision.
Best address the grumbles to Mr Hepher.

I watched the game NM and you are correct 👍

Quote:

Broken arrow
Pretty sure its a case of zero money available !
A former Chiefs forward ( a very good and popular one ) recently expressed an interest in a possible return and was offered an embarrassingly low salary, most Prem teams would offer 4 times what we did !

Harry Williams……..common knowledge BA

Well that’s 80 minutes of life wasted, it’s a friendly but boy were we ponderous in attack as well as clueless. I know we have players playing their selves into fitness but I seem to be watching Chiefs from two season ago, all the pace and enjoyment from breakdown removed so toothless in attack. Woody did well under the high ball, but kicking position away at every opportunity was terrible. We seemed not to trust each other to pass the ball.
Do I watch Ulster or go and see the sea shanties down at the quay next week. We were all at sea this game and it was thoroughly depressing. The writing was on the wall with forward play last week, and today was worst. We have the talent and if the correct players are chosen we are a good team….but today friendly or no, might as well get the emulsion out, it would be more exciting to watch.
Not taking it away from Ospreys who have dragons next week, they looked more coherent and composed.
Need a change next week or we will suffer a bigger loss and a depressing drumming in our first serious game. Keep saying to myself it’s only a friendly, but trying to think of the last one where there was nothing really positive to say, Key positions did not perform today this needs sorting. But what do I know, just want to enjoy a game not watch utter rubbish. Do not mind losing as long as it’s entertaining, this was more like going to the dentist.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024:09:07:21:33:02 by clalan.

I did not travel for this game although a S/T holder and reading the above little was missed other than a dose of anxiety and worry for the upcoming season. I do not remember such trenchant criticism/pessimism so early even before the season starts. My season starts next week with the friendly against Ulster. Fingers crossed.

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Rowancroft73

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Broken arrow
Pretty sure its a case of zero money available !
A former Chiefs forward ( a very good and popular one ) recently expressed an interest in a possible return and was offered an embarrassingly low salary, most Prem teams would offer 4 times what we did !

Harry Williams……..common knowledge BA

Nope, not Harry Williams, think a lot further away than that !

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Broken arrow

Quote:

Rowancroft73

Quote:

Broken arrow
Pretty sure its a case of zero money available !
A former Chiefs forward ( a very good and popular one ) recently expressed an interest in a possible return and was offered an embarrassingly low salary, most Prem teams would offer 4 times what we did !

Harry Williams……..common knowledge BA

Nope, not Harry Williams, think a lot further away than that !

Dave Ewers ?

Quote:

Not Manichean
Harsh to blame Harvey. I didn't see the match sadly, but if he was kicking the ball away that wouldn't have been his decision.
Best address the grumbles to Mr Hepher.

I agree Mani. I spoke to Harvey after the match and he said that was the game plan and he basically did as he was told.

Hodge and Brown Bampo had decent games, as did Dan Frost when he was on the field. As Dan said later, he wished the Chiefs could have had whatever Ospreys put on their hands to make the ball stick. I lost count of the times the ball was either spilt in tackles or passes. You didn’t miss much by not seeing it!

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cornwallchief
I do not remember such trenchant criticism/pessimism so early even before the season starts.

Last season was about the same, but that soon changed after the Sarries game!
[www.rugbynetwork.net]

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Broken arrow

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Rowancroft73

Quote:

Broken arrow
Pretty sure its a case of zero money available !
A former Chiefs forward ( a very good and popular one ) recently expressed an interest in a possible return and was offered an embarrassingly low salary, most Prem teams would offer 4 times what we did !

Harry Williams……..common knowledge BA

Nope, not Harry Williams, think a lot further away than that !

RvH ?

Big Dave.

A low offer on a former player, when finances are tight and you have already made other plans seems logical to me. Id love to be in a different financial reality but that's not the case and there are enough examples of what happens if you don't face into your reality.
Preseason isn't about results or in a wider sense performance.
The team has objectives for the game, if they achieve them and lose it probably doesn't matters.
Whose to say the plan wasn't to use the opportunity of a wet day to just hammer a particular wet weather game plan.
When results matter is the time to be critical.

For me, Woody, Hodge and BB haad great games across the back line ... Harvey apparently being told to kick the leather off the ball at every opportuinty did not play to their obvious running strengths ... and where was the width this week that was used so effectivility 2 weeks ago? I was excited about the coming season. I'm a bit deflated now to say the least.
I don't know if anyone 'in the know' might be able to shed light on this, but it felt to me like the tactics were being driven by a completely different coach. Perhaps one trying to make a comeback ... and failing in a spectacular manner!

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

The post match interview with Rob explains they treated the game as if they were playing away from home and in poor conditions, hence the tactics.
Think I will stick to home games.

Both pre and post match interviews with Rob are mentioned. How to access them? I seem to remember that these sorts of things were posted on the offy.

Quote:

Ljs399

Quote:

Not Manichean
Harsh to blame Harvey. I didn't see the match sadly, but if he was kicking the ball away that wouldn't have been his decision.
Best address the grumbles to Mr Hepher.

I agree Mani. I spoke to Harvey after the match and he said that was the game plan and he basically did as he was told.

Hodge and Brown Bampo had decent games, as did Dan Frost when he was on the field. As Dan said later, he wished the Chiefs could have had whatever Ospreys put on their hands to make the ball stick. I lost count of the times the ball was either spilt in tackles or passes. You didn’t miss much by not seeing it!

It's just as big a worry if players don't feel able to change the approach on the pitch when it isn't working. That's a very sad & bad reflection on the coaches. Players need to be allowed to make decisions on the pitch!

Quote:

dwhite805

Quote:

Ljs399

Quote:

Not Manichean
Harsh to blame Harvey. I didn't see the match sadly, but if he was kicking the ball away that wouldn't have been his decision.
Best address the grumbles to Mr Hepher.

I agree Mani. I spoke to Harvey after the match and he said that was the game plan and he basically did as he was told.

Hodge and Brown Bampo had decent games, as did Dan Frost when he was on the field. As Dan said later, he wished the Chiefs could have had whatever Ospreys put on their hands to make the ball stick. I lost count of the times the ball was either spilt in tackles or passes. You didn’t miss much by not seeing it!

It's just as big a worry if players don't feel able to change the approach on the pitch when it isn't working. That's a very sad & bad reflection on the coaches. Players need to be allowed to make decisions on the pitch!

If one of the objectives was to play a particular way essentially as practice then changing from it will defeat the purpose. If we win tight away game in the league it's worth it. It was the away form that cost the team last year.

I wasn't at the game so can't comment on events but I'm inclined to agree with midlands chief.

If trying out that game plan while they had the opportunity to do so in awful weather in a pre-season, inconsequential match results in Chiefs winning a match in similar weather during the season, it proves the coaches were right to test it at the weekend. Alternatively, if they proved it's not viable, they may decide on a different game plan. It's still better to have got that one out of the way now rather than in a must-win premiership game.

Not a game that will live long in the memory. Atrocious conditions make for atrocious handling errors. Not quite sure how you train for that. Stronger spray adhesive for hands (?)

Anyway, quite liked the new kit, although I also liked the previous hot pink version circa 2018. Great day out at Kingsholm beating Bath in the Anglo Welsh Final, as I remember.

Got thoroughly soaked walking back to the car park post match, whilst thinking that I didn't expect to see the floodlights on so early in the year. Gotta love it.