Chiefs v Sharks preview

A last minute preview of Saturday's AP clash between Exeter Chiewfs and Sale Sharks thansk to ShoutsLoudlyInTheRain

Let the Battle Begin

After coming through last weeks battle of attrition against Leeds with a 4 point win which saw the Chiefs climb to the heady heights of 7th in the premier league, we welcome Sale sharks back to sandy park. The two sides met Last year with two pre-season openers  to our victorious Championship Campaign the first at Sandy Park saw the chiefs taking the Honours with a 25 -20 Victory and the Reversal  17 – 13 at Edgley Park.

Saturdays match will see the Sharks without Mark Cueto, Andrew Sheriden and Charlie Hodgeson  but they showed last weekend that they still have a cutting edge with Ben Cohen running in a fabulous try in their 10 – 19 loss to Table toppers Saints. The Chiefs have been outstanding defensively with the defensive line only being breached once in five games and they will need to show that form again on Saturday.

Rob has made a couple of changes to the line-up for this week’s game Nic Sesteret Coming in for Mark foster who moves to the bench and the impressive Jason Shoemark starting instead of Brian Rennie who does not make the match day 23.

15 Arscott

14 Higgins

13 Dollman

12 Shoemark

11 Sestaret

10 Davis

9 Thomas

8 Baxter

7 Scaysbrook

6 Johnson

5 Hanks

4 Hayes

3 Budgen

2 Alcott

1 Sturgess

Replacements:

Whitehead, Moon, Tui, Gannon, Slade, Cowley, Mieres, Foster

The Sandy Park Faithful will be hoping to see less handling errors and flowing rugby but on what is forecast as being a bitterly cold breezy afternoon I expect this game to be a battle of the kickers like last week and the tribe will need to get behind the guys and make themselves heard for what is going to be another tough and hard fought game which I think the Chiefs will edge. Remember there are no easy games in the Premier league and Sale will be no push overs  and for me an ugly win will do.

For those making the long trip down from Sale Have a safe trip.