Chiefs v Exiles Preview
Sandy Park
By TAKODA
October 21 2010
Exeter Chiefs return to Prem action with the visit of high flying London Irish to Sandy Park.
Match Preview
Exeter Chiefs v London Irish
Sandy Park 23rd October 2010
After a short European interlude the Chiefs return to their Aviva Premiership duties with a tough test against the current top of the table side London Irish. The cup games had mixed results for both teams, so they will be hoping to return to the regular seasons fixtures looking for a win.
While Exeter have had a great start to the campaign, London Irish have had an almost perfect one suffering just the one defeat, which was away to Bath in round two at the Rec. The London visitors have accrued an impressive 20 points from the first five games which includes 4 well won bonus points. However the Chiefs have already shown that they are no pushover, by earning themselves 9 very respectable premiership points at this early stage in the season.
With some close run matches at both Welford Road and Franklin's Gardens the Chiefs will be looking to continue their confident assault on the premierships veteran sides. There has been some pre match speculation from the home supporters as to the line up that will face the visitors, but there is no question that it will have to be a strong one to contend with the undoubted class of the London Irish side.
New signing Peter Kimlin may get his first outing for the Chiefs and it shouldn't be too long before Jason Shoemark also arrives from the southern hemisphere, to further excite an already buoyant Sandy Park.
London Irish have abundant attacking talent and the Chiefs defence will need to be tenacious to contend with their try scoring machines Sailosi Tagicakibau,Topsy Ojo and Delon Armitage. Gareth Steenson will no doubt, given the chance, continue to add to his points tally for the season and Tom Johnson should be looking to increase his already impressive 'Top Carries' opta stats. Resilience under pressure will again be a key factor, and as long as composure is maintained, there should be no reason for Exeter to not come away with the home win.
As has been the case with many of the visiting supporters this season, the London Irish fans are probably looking forward to the trip to Sandy Park, it is after all a great ground in a great part of the country. I am sure that they will enjoy the hospitality offered by the club and its fans, this they are more than welcome to, but the points for the win are not on offer, lets hope that they go to the Chiefs.
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Really looking forward to this game
Come on EXE