Exciting times for Chiefs
Sandy Park 6 years ago
By Moorsman
May 16 2016
It's exciting times for all associated with Exeter Chiefs as they head into this weekends AP semifinal
Exciting Times
The Library's nemesis
It's exciting times for all associated with Exeter Chiefs as they head into this weekends AP semifinal v Wasps.
The season is already a massive success with Chiefs reaching a Champions Cup quater final and finishing the Prem season in second place. However the Chiefs now find themselves within two games of becoming Premiership Champions (still can't quite believe I wrote that). Not that either of these games will be easy by any stretch of the imagination. Firstly Chiefs have Wasps visiting Sandy Parkfor the fourth meeting between the sides this season. Chiefs currently lead the list with 2 wins from 3, Wasps having narrowly squeaked a win in the Champions Cup at the Ricoh. Wasps have yet to win at Sandy Park and were soundly beaten 24-3 on their recent visit but this is a semifinal and we'll no doubt see them working hard to avenge this. Chiefs on the other hand will take great comfort from this recent display and their 10 try demoltion job of a very good Quins side at the Stoop. Add in the Sandy Park factor and what is surely going to be the loudest Tribe so far I am mconfident that Rob and the boys can see us progress to the final (fingers etc. crossed of course).
With regard to the team Rob Baxter is likely to pick I can't see there being many changes although Damien Welch is unlikely to figure due to injury and I expect to see The Don start in his place.
Rob also has an added bonus with Thomas Francis available for selection having served his ban but I guess he's likely to feature from the bench if selected. To be fair the forwards pretty much select themselves with Rob Baxter making changes to suit the opposition. Case in point will be the Prem top try scorer Thomas The Tank who may start or come off the bench. It does appear that our driving mall has lost some of it's bite but I'm sure Rob Hunter willm have been working on this and I hope to see The Tank add to his tally.
The backs will be led by this season's Golden Boot winner, the one and only Steeno with Will chudley partnering him.
Henry Slade and Jack Nowell are certain to start with Sam Hill or Ian Whitten at Centre. The other wing will be a toss up between Olly Woodburn and James Short with either offering vgreat pace. At full back will be Phil Dollman who along with Steeno was part of our Championship winning side in 2010.
AS I said exciting times and I for one can't wait for Saturday at 3.15.
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Think we will start with Mitch Lees and Geoff Parling in the second row with Ewers, Salvi and Waldrom in the back row. Don coming back from injury may well start on the bench. Dolly at fullback with Woodburn and Nowell on the wings and Slade and Whitten in the centres. Short and Hill on the bench with Chudleigh and Steeno in the driving seats. I would love to see Hepburn and Williams start, they have done well in the scrum and are excellent in the loose. I have a feeling that Yendle might start because LCD picked up a knock last week.
Can't wait!
COME ON YOU CHIEFS!!!