Will the Chiefs progress?

Can Exeter Chiefs beat Wasps to make their progress in the last 6 seasons even more remarkable?

Wasps v Chiefs

Can Exeter Chiefs beat Wasps to make their progress over the last 6 seasons even more remarkable?  The answer to that is obviously yes but will they?  Let's take a look at what progress the Chiefs have made during this period.

This is the sum total of Exeter Chiefs Premiership and European competition experience, which compared to Wasps illustrious history is pretty small.  However as the saying goes 'size isn't everything' and come 3.15 on Saturday both sides start with a clean sheet.  I'm really not sure how this game will turn out as Wasps are in a good vein of form whilst Chiefs have struggled a little over the recent couple of months.  Having said this the Chiefs are now at virtually full strength with both International players and those injured being fit and ready to go.  Remarkably this includes Henry Slade who broke his leg during the Chiefs last visit to the Ricoh.

Not only has Henry returned to playing he's showing the knd of form that would have almost certainly seen him in England's six nations squad.  

Both Luke Cowan-Dickie and Jack Nowell have returned from England duty in fine form and Nowell really looked classy in the Chiefs defeat of Wuss.  Luke's throwing is now reliable and he has good lineout specialists to assist him in the form of Geoff Parling, Damien Welch and Ollie Atkins.  Geoff didn't feature in the Wuss game and neither did Dave Ewers but I fully expect to see them both feature on Saturday.  Mitch Lees could also make an appearance from the bench to join the engine room.

Rob Baxter is spoilt for choice with the back row although The Tank will almost certainly be the first name on the team sheet and he'll be looking to add to his try tally against Wasps having scored a hat trick on the Chiefs last visit.  Don Armond will almost certainly take the final back row place as he's been outstanding for the Chiefs all season.

As ever Steeno will be on hand to punish any penalty that Wasps offer although Sladey adds a long distance alternative.  Ian Whitten or Sam Hill will take one centre berth but it may be that Jack Nowell plays at 15 given Dolly's injury.  This will allow Michele Campagnaro to slot into the back line having had a great six nations for Italy.  Both Olly Woodburn and James Short look hungry for trys and could feature in the starting lineup.

Whoever Rob Baxter selects I'm sure they'll be looking to make it very difficult for Wasps by taking the game to them.  I just can't wait.

All photos PAImages