Gloucester Rugby vs Exeter Chiefs

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Exeter Chiefs

15 Stuart Hogg
14 Josh Hodge
13 Rory O’Loughlin
12 Ian Whitten
11 Olly Woodburn
10 Harvey Skinner
9 Jack Maunder
1 Scott Sio
2 Jack Yeandle
3 Harry Williams
4 Ruben van Heerden
5 Jonny Gray
6 Dave Ewers
7 Lewis Pearson
8 Jacques Vermeulen

Replacements
16 Jack Innard
17 Alec Hepburn
18 Josh Iosefa-Scott
19 Jack Dunne
20 Christ Tshiunza
21 Sam Maunder
22 Joe Simmonds
23 Dan John



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:10:27:13:44:42 by Lowerwatha.

Gloucester Rugby t

15. Lloyd Evans
14. Louis Rees-Zammit
13. Chris Harris
12. Giorgi Kveseladze
11. Santi Carreras
10. Adam Hastings
9. Charlie Chapman
1. Harry Elrington
2. Santiago Socino
3. Fraser Balmain
4. Freddie Clarke
5. Cam Jordan
6. Ruan Ackermann
7. Lewis Ludlow (c)
8. Ben Morgan

Replacements:

16. Henry Walker
17. Ciaran Knight
18. Kirill Gotovtsev
19. Matias Alemanno
20. Albert Tuisue
21. Ben Meehan
22. Jack Reeves
23. Tom Seabrook

Has Kata picked up an injury or pi**ed someone off? Good to see a start for Sio though as our scrum could use some assistance.

Match Officials

Referee: Adam Leal

Assistant Referees: Dan Jones and John Meredith

TMO: Dean Richards. Citing Officer: Budge Pountney

Weather Forecast
Light cloud and light winds from the south
Temperature will feel like 13 degrees
Low chance of rain

Television Coverage

SD Channel 408 BT Sports 1 from 1900
HD Channel 430 BT Sports 1 from 1900

Gloucester Rugby’s only defeat in Gallagher Premiership Rugby this campaign was 39-41 away at Saracens in Round 3. Gloucester have lost only once at Kingsholm in Premiership Rugby since January: 21-27 to Wasps on 2 April.

Exeter Chiefs have lost two of their last three fixtures in Gallagher Premiership Rugby but have won two of their last three away from home in the competition.

The Chiefs have lost only one of their last six encounters with Gloucester in Premiership Rugby: 18-34 at Kingsholm in March 2021. The Chiefs have won on two of their last three visits to Kingsholm

Two loose heads on the bench??

Whats happened to Kirsten and Capstick and who will our place kicker be, Harvey's kicking is not his strong point.

No idea on this one, but going for a Chiefs win (have to stay optimistic). Glos 22 Chiefs 33

Glaws 25 Chiefs 20 if I'm honest

Quote:

Flying Pasty
Has Kata picked up an injury or pi**ed someone off? Good to see a start for Sio though as our scrum could use some assistance.

I think he’s off with Tonga for the AIs

Will be a tight game but I think our bench looks strong so Chiefs 27 Gloucester 19. Hogg or Hodge might take over the kicking duties till Joe comes on.

Good to see that Lewis Pearson seems to be making his way up the pecking order. I wouldn't have thought that he was ahead of Cappers and Jannes but they may be injured?
I'm concerned that the scrum will be our Achilles Heel again. I think that the props named on the bench are both loose heads although Iosefa-Scott has the bulk for a tight head. Has he played there before?
Time for some thinking!!

Chiefs 30 - Glaws 18

Glos 18 - 25 chiefs

Quote:

plymptonchief
Two loose heads on the bench??

Im pretty certain that Sio can play both sides.

21 - 28 to Ex.

(I cant bring myself to predict an Ex loss so this is more hope than expectation)

We never know who is injured or not the club never tell us, to the frustration of all supporters (probably only club in any sport). We can only assume Cappers and Kirsten are injured or would have featured. Wouldn’t it be nice to learn how Devoto, Jenkins, Townsend and others are doing in rehab!!!!!

The Kata omission is odd. The one I do think is strange is the omission of Shickers our break out forward from last season not got a start this year despite being our most effective prop in the loose. If he is punished for the last scrum penalty last sat that is stupid he would be ideal with his mobility on that plastic pitch. Think Harry may need to play 70mins.

Glaws must be red hot favourites with their set piece and driving maul - I’ll go Glaws 34 chiefs 24.

Firstly, good to see Hodge and Pearson make the team. However, the team does suggest we are picking up quite a few injuries again. No Devoto, Slade, Kata in midfield. No Simmonds, Kirsten, Capstick, Davis, Grondona, Tuima etc in the back row. No Street and Schickerling at tighthead. And/or is it Hepher tinkering again!

Iosefa-Scott played tighthead last season, but couldn’t keep a scrum up. He has looked better at loosehead. I do worry about scrum. Williams needs to find some form quick.

Glos 24 - Chiefs 28

I think we could do with a specialist scrum coach again.

(As far as Im aware Rob Cowling was never replaced)

Neil Fowlkes was SC at waps. I dont know much about him but i wonder whether a discussion has been had.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:10:27:18:15:25 by Not Manichean.

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Not Manichean

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plymptonchief
Two loose heads on the bench??

Im pretty certain that Sio can play both sides.

Given his shortness of time with us I'd have him on the bench, particularly if he is also covering tight head.

I’m afraid my cup’s half full for this one. Can see Gloucester controlling the breakdown and scrum. Their backs too, have looked good most games. I’m not confident that Skinner will control the game better than Hastings. But you never know. Remember a squad team easily beating a Bears 1st team at Ashton Gate during COVID year, so anything’s possible.
Glos 28 Chiefs 21

Team not good enough so i am going for a Gloucester win. 28. 15 due to theirs no consistency in the selection due to call ups and injury, a plastic pitch , Being away on a Friday night. Hope i am wrong.

Heart wins again
Glaws 21 Chiefs 34

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

I feel that Glos will fancy themselves in the final 5m with their set piece. So despite wanting us to win, l think it’s going to be a narrow loss again. Hope I’m proved wrong.

Glos 27 - 24 Chiefs

Andy15.1,

Never get any Tigers injury news since Borthwick took charge.
Had to find out Pollard had had an operation via South Africa coach!

Lewis Pearson - Academy?

I am pretty sure in a commentary the other week I heard Cappers had picked up a hand injury in training - no other details. I cannot see our backs functioning and Harris probably the best defensive centre in the prem. Their backs are likely to score more of less possession. Not very confident. Yenz throwing can be a lottery and who knows about the scrum. A lot will depend on referee's interpretation. Defending their maul will be a challenge and we cannot afford to leak endless penalties. Glos 34 Chiefs 20 - it pains me.

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tigersimon
Lewis Pearson - Academy?

The Plymouth Albion and Cornish Pirates Academy. He has improved lots over the last couple of seasons.

§
Chiefs 21 19 Glos

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plymptonchief

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tigersimon
Lewis Pearson - Academy?

The Plymouth Albion and Cornish Pirates Academy. He has improved lots over the last couple of seasons.

👍

Glos 24 Ex 29

Heart ruling head again

This is the sort of match that on paper I think we will struggle but in the past I have been surprised.
I hope the arrival of Frosty could raise the performance levels of our other hookers because he has been outstanding for Wasps.
Scott Sio's appearance is very welcome. I wonder if he has played a match on plastic before?
Our scrum has to improve ( surely it can't get any worse) and we have to put points on the board when we get the chance. If we win by kicking penalties and no tries that is fine by me.
Glad to Jordy Reid not on their team sheet.
Go well Lewis. Hope to see you rampaging in the loose!

Not very confident and heart ruling my head Glaws 28 - 34 Exe

Good to see some youngsters in, Bristol nearly beat them on the plastic pitch so can’t see why we cannot cause them problems.
So going for an away win glos 24 chiefs 29. But could be higher scoring.

Glos 19 Chiefs 28

We still have a good side out. Our bench is much stronger than theirs.

Thought Lewis Pearson was outstanding against Bristol so well deserving of a start.

Really good to see Lewis Pearson getting some more game time. He was excellent in the games we saw from him last season.
Bit of a mix and match side, while I hope we can get a win my head says otherwise.
Glos 29 Chiefs 17

Gloucester 18 Chiefs 22

Despite normally being a bit of a pessimist, I was one of the few who predicted a loss against Sarries, I think we'll win this. Watching glous last week against Irish they were very one dimensional, if we can keep penalties down or defend their maul we'll be fine. Easier said than done I know, but that's still a good pack we are sending out. Glous 19 Chiefs 26

Concerned about this one but heart ruling head - Glaws 27 - 31 Exeter

Having predicted a win over Sarries and seen our scrum pulverised we are going with our collective heads, despite hoping for the best
Mrs PC Chiefs 17 - Glaws 24
PC Chiefs17 - Glaws 27
Will be very interested to see how Sio goes.

Prob a bit overly dramatic but loose this and we seem set for mid table mediocrity. But try and positive driving up now
Gloss 20 Ex 32
Channel our Friday night mojo

Yet another random guess .............. Gloucester 27 Exeter 29

Glos 19 Chiefs 17
I would be happier with Joe at 10

Glos 26 Chiefs 32

Too many pessimists on here! All we need is a game plan that prevents the ball getting out to their backs. Simples!

Glaws 28 - 31 Chiefs

Chiefs 23 Glos 21

glos 20 chiefs 35

Why do we keep going down blind allies? Totally pointless

A real mixed bag that first half.
Our forward play, certainly in the loose has been very very good again but as soon as the ball gets in to the backs all the forward play has been wasted by poor passing,poor decision making and poor execution.
Our back play really needs a lot of improvement.
We can win this but I am hopeful not confident......

Given them 3 tries and look one dimensional.

Funnily enough no mention of OBVIOUS forward pass on glow try. Guess we’re even after the Quins game forward pass

Very obvious! 22M line as star witness.

Not even checked as far as I can see.

PG

Second half so far, we look rudderless and a mess.

Crap

Just not good enough.

No game plan to tackle Gloucesters threat outside.

Being totally honest, you cannot put any blame on any individual player tonight, that loss falls totally at the feet of the coaches, as in Hepher. A large part of tonight's team won Chiefs the double, they have not suddenly become bad players.

Im afraid I think both of our hslf backs were a big part of the problem.

Awful performance, error strewn( although every game apart from Bristol as been full of mistakes) but the biggest worry is we have no attack from 9,10 or 12. We are back to the side of last season after signs of improvement from earlier games. Going to be a painful November if this is anything to go by, Saints will be licking their lips ahead of next week. Maybe the wingers could have come in and looked for the ball a little more especially off Skinner, Harris had our centres in his pocket but we helped by being so predictable.
I’m not making this as an excuse for loosing as Gloucester were far better than us but that pitch shouldn’t be allowed in the league, bloody terrible unnatural bounce that clearly gives the home side a huge advantage, hopefully when Premier rugby sort this debacle of a league out they will ban them, along with only making sure teams only play league games on non international weekends

Coaches need to look at themselves as we haven't evolved in the last few years. We look to play one way and do little else. Gave them 3 tries and look toothless in attack.

Quote:

Not Manichean
Im afraid I think both of our hslf backs were a big part of the problem.

Pulling my hair out at that performance.
In full agreement with Kay about lack of leadership.
Goes without saying that leadership is easy when it goes your way but atm we seem to be lacking when we’re chasing.
Maunder & Skinner show little in leadership. Neither can play off the cuff as Chapman and Hastings had to tonight at times.
Can’t remember JM ever getting in the ear of his forwards when he’s getting slow or untidy ball. He’s a system robot who is a double winner because of his forwards not despite them.
I thought first half our breakdown clearance was as smart and quick as it’s been this season, nullifying the vaunted Glos back row but again agreeing with Kay, our 9/10 were ponderous in using quick ball.
There were times when the backs attacking alignment was so transparent
that if I could see it, I’m pretty sure so could Harris et al.
As in the Sarries game we dominated the stats. Teams realise thats irrelevant and sometimes it’s a strategy to play without the ball.
Going back to our half back combo. I’d prefer SS at 10. However you only have to look at Chapman & Hastings tonight, in a team who don’t play systems too dissimilar to Chiefs, to realise that we lack in that area. When I look around 9/10 partnerships in Prem I wonder how many clubs would be chasing our options when contracts are up.
Positives, Sio seemed to offer much both in scrum & loose. Can’t think of many! Gray, Vermeulen, Van H, big Dave as ever.
Apologies for the doom and gloom, I’ll probably read this tomorrow with a less of an emotional response and wish id given it overnight to construct a more rational response
Forever Chiefs

There was one point in the second half when we were attacking, had good numbers and there was not even the first thought from anyone about taking advantage of it. Instead we continued to attempt to pick and go nowhere. Are players frightened of doing something different from the script in case the coaches tell them off, whether or not it actually works?
No leadership out there at all from anyone. If Yeandle is a captain, then he needs to show it, I can't for the life of me see why he was picked over Innard on tonights showing. He's been a great player for us over the years, but his form at present doesn't merit a place.

Most worryingly I see no reason why any International calibre player would want to sign, or re-sign, for Exeter. Without players of that calibre however we will just drift down into lower table insignificance and miss out on any opportunity to join whatever British or European superleague replaces the current Premiership mess.

Hastings and Chapman were not amazing last night as is being suggested, they actually did very little, apart from the odd kick over the top, they only did good things as a result of our cock ups !
Hastings made a massive 3 passes in the entire game, Chapman a whopping 26 passes, JM made 92 passes. Give us a proper attacking coach, bring back Salvi and let Baxter take control again.

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Broken arrow
Hastings and Chapman were not amazing last night as is being suggested, they actually did very little, apart from the odd kick over the top, they only did good things as a result of our cock ups !
Hastings made a massive 3 passes in the entire game, Chapman a whopping 26 passes, JM made 92 passes. Give us a proper attacking coach, bring back Salvi and let Baxter take control again.

Morning BA.
Can you clarify the relevance behind one of your ‘go to’s’, namely the number of passes from 9?
Ok JM makes more passes than probably any other 9 but that statistic doesn’t include many factors - quality/accuracy, timing, speed, type, disguise etc. I’m not suggesting our 9’s lack in these areas just questioning the relevance of a bare numerical fact.
It’s a bit like saying one team takes 1/10 chances but the other has only 2, takes both and win the game.
So Chapman only made 26 but surely that’s irrelevant. It’s choosing the right option at the right time not racking up numbers. Top players influence key moments. The ‘odd kick over the top’ as you refer too is one of those key choice moments.
Finally, I’m sure if you ask any Prem 9 would he be expected to have a major influence in a game where he had ball in hand 92 times, I think we’d know the answer.
Ultimately whatever our opinions we share the hurt with our team.........on to the next game

IMHO we seriously missed Slade's composure and quick thinking last night. Of course, that's not helped by the injury losses of Devo and Hendrickson. My over-riding question was why we didn't use Kata in the centre.
Hodge (the Dodge?) showed some more flare last night and given space and opportunity I think he's really got the makings, if a little small at the moment.

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

Thoughts.
Why has Whitts played nearly all the games? I have been accused of Whitts hating - I am not - but it is clearer and clearer he is a player well in decline. It has been clear for 18 months. We have centre injuries but not giving Kata a run of games or trying someone else seems inept by the coaches.
Yenz has had the yipps at key moments with his darts for 18 months - yet still Innard is no 3 in the selections.
Why do our players never offload before they are tackled?
Where are our dummy runners in attack?
Why do we not heel the ball quickly from the scrum when it is not dominant?
Why do we not vary our attack with short kicks into space which other teams use so effectively against us as Glos did yesterday?
We have a huge squad, We make signings but can only field one team a week. There is little point in making signings if they never get a chance to play and show us whether they can make it in a run of games. An example might be Walsh or even Kata this season. This problem seems to me to be more of a problem with the backs. Is it Rob's recruitment or Ali's selection. The loss of Flats has been huge this season as we can see. Reputedly not a money issue though!
Sio looks a very positive signing. Our forward players IMO despite what I have said above seem to do quite a lot that is correct. Our back-play is some of the very WORST in the league - it is down to selection and tactics to a great extent.
It is a long-term issue and IMO Ali needs to go if he is unable to turn it around.

Well I can't say I'm overly surprised but first half we were doing better than expected so where the second half collapse came from I'm not sure. Rees Zammit was the big diffference for them but we really shouldn't have just let them run away with it.

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chief in exile
Second half so far, we look rudderless and a mess.

+ 1

[quote ExeterFan]There was one point in the second half when we were attacking, had good numbers and there was not even the first thought from anyone about taking advantage of it. Instead we continued to attempt to pick and go nowhere.

I think I know the moment, we had overload of backs to the left and the forwards went right, our 9 picked the ball up at the ruck about 2m out, but the 9 at a ruck that close to the line does not have time to look around. It is up to other players away from the ruck with a better picture of play to give him help to make the right plays

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Broken arrow
Hastings and Chapman were not amazing last night as is being suggested, they actually did very little, apart from the odd kick over the top, they only did good things as a result of our cock ups !
Hastings made a massive 3 passes in the entire game, Chapman a whopping 26 passes, JM made 92 passes. Give us a proper attacking coach, bring back Salvi and let Baxter take control again.

+++++++++++1

Everyone on this forum is entitled to an opinion, I have no problem with that, I stick up for all of our 9's, why, because it is a position I understand and because there are a lot of comments made that are simply inaccurate. The most important thing to remember, as I have said so many times, is that all the players, not just the 9 & 10, are doing what they are told to do by Hepher. If they dont, they will be dropped ! People on this forum want the perfect running 9, I'm sorry but that is not going to happen with these coaches. If Robson came in, you would see him play exactly the same way as JM, only, imo, not as well, because passing is not Robson's strong point and passing is key to Chiefs game. JM has one of the best passes in the league and he is now one of the best at box kicking, BOD picked him as one of the man of the match options against Bristol, he was also a runner up for team of the week. I really hope he signs a new contract because I can assure you, there will be plenty of teams who would snap him up, including in France.

If the SH has to stick to the script why is Stu playing to a different script from jack?

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Boldeagle
If the SH has to stick to the script why is Stu playing to a different script from jack?

Thats easy, Stu wasn't sticking to the script !

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Broken arrow

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Boldeagle
If the SH has to stick to the script why is Stu playing to a different script from jack?

Thats easy, Stu wasn't sticking to the script !

Not wishing to contradict you BA, just pondering what I'd thought was our coaches manta about allowing players to play what's in front of them. Can't have it both ways.

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

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Broken arrow

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Boldeagle
If the SH has to stick to the script why is Stu playing to a different script from jack?

Thats easy, Stu wasn't sticking to the script !

So why was he first choice and not dropped for not sticking to the script.

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DumnoniiNomad

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Broken arrow

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Boldeagle
If the SH has to stick to the script why is Stu playing to a different script from jack?

Thats easy, Stu wasn't sticking to the script !

Not wishing to contradict you BA, just pondering what I'd thought was our coaches manta about allowing players to play what's in front of them. Can't have it both ways.

I think you'll find Hepher's interpretation of playing whats in front of you may be a bit different to what you and I would say.

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Boldeagle

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Broken arrow

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Boldeagle
If the SH has to stick to the script why is Stu playing to a different script from jack?

Thats easy, Stu wasn't sticking to the script !

So why was he first choice and not dropped for not sticking to the script.

Hepher picks players for a block of games, they will play regardless of how they perform. As I've said before, one of our coaches when asked why a player was starting who had played poorly, replied, no idea. That said, he was dropped for the Sale game, JM was supposed to start but got injured.

There is no logic to what Hepher does or says, we are confused and so are a lot of the players.

Post match is quite interesting. Went to Gloucester on Friday and felt quite positive about performance until second half started. Lots of possession and multiple phases playing the Exeter way! and Gloucester were at times hanging on but the final breakthrough never came. Second half too narrow and Gloucesters speed/variation lead to tries.
That said, Most of us on here are guilty of double standards. We moan that players like yendal and whits keep getting played, but then when skinner gets a run of games at 10 when he hasn’t done a lot wrong and has some real positives, very good kick chase is smashing players in the backfield. Also we all know that hoggy will be missing for a run of games and joe has been playing well at FB. But still moan about these selections.
The bashing of JM is also crazy, is he as good as nick white was for us ? No, but still a good 9 who is suited to the multiple phase game Exeter play and have played for years. Unfortunately Seems to me that the coaches are dammed if they do and if they don’t on these calls.
I would like us to be more progressive/positive in selection and give players like kata, Innard, hodge, skinner, o’ brien etc a decent chance. If we are in transition with AH now the main man, let’s transition and move forward. As it was shown on Friday we are currently too predictable and when the forwards who are very good are matched/ contained we don’t offer enough threat in the backs.

Another real issue imho is one of recruitment. The club is very good at selecting back five forwards. But of the backs brought into the club over the last three years none have made a reeal impact? The coaches don’t seem to trust or rate the players they bring in ?

Interesting s/h demo on Rugby Tonight from Danny Care. If you excuse the Monye/Care love in, I’d like to think our coaches were tuned in. Playing to a script is one thing, heads up rugby quite another.

Good post Moosechief; I especially agree about the selection changes needed in selection to enable progression and the last paragraph about recruitment.

When you look at our pack from Friday,it was big and heavy. Yes they carried well but they are all big blokes that once they have carried and are on the floor they won't get be able to get back on their feet very quickly. Add in that opposition defenders will try and lie in on us at rucks and delay our players getting off the floor I am sure that was partly to blame for Jack being slow to get the ball away because our carriers were not necessarily in position to receive the ball.
I thought we had a decent pack out Friday but on reflection maybe we didn't have the right balance to play on such a fast track? The pack we picked would have more suited to a wet paddock not an artificial surface.
Strangely probably our most mobile back rower was on the bench until the game was dead.
We really need a like for like replacement for Sam as a point of difference. Somebody fast and mobile to carry in wide channels that can carry and bounce back up quickly.
We still have a very good side,most of the double winning team are still here but I think the game has moved on since then.
We are broadly playing the same way with tweaks to attack and defence but the premiership is quicker now than it ever has been.
We don't have much pace in the back line and it shows. Even when teams don't have much possession against us they still score tries and look far more dangerous in attack.
I think we are still a good side but we probably haven't adapted to the changes that have taken place and are behind the curve a bit with how the game has moved on.

Thank you Zyder, someone who understands what is happening with our forwards and quick ball ! The problem we have is that our forwards take it into contact and go off their feet, that in most cases slows down the ball for the 9 because we do not put bodies in to protect the ball and all our opponents know that so they do put bodies in. After a few phases the forwards are starting to get out of position, the 9 then has to delay the pass. What other teams try and do is offload the ball, rather than going to ground, that keeps the opposition on the back foot, as soon as the ball carrier goes to ground the momentum effectively stops. It is a bit more complex than that obviously, but it does explain why it appears to some that the 9 is being slow, the first 3 or 4 phases are spot on with quick ball but we then grind to a halt. That gives the opposition time to form a defensive line. IMO, we need to use the backs sooner whilst the oppo are still on the back foot.

A very disappointing result as is very clear from the many posts made this weekend! Not much change here!
22 Points: Ouch that hurts;
21 Points: Bold Eagle;
20 points: Dumnoniinomad; Cornwall Chief;
18 Points: Mike the Shirt; Scottish Chief;
17 Points: Osmium;
16 Points: Lowerwatha; Rowancroft73; Andy15.1;
15 Points: Moosechief; Currychef; Alain le Chief;
14 Points: Hankey; Keithbar54; Plympton Chief;
13 Points: Big Chief Little Chief; Not Manichean; Ex58; ExTedd Chief;
12 Points: Cully Chief; Broken Arrow;
11 Points: Stokecanon; Chief Firewater; Fisher;
10 Points: Lapo; Ljs399;
8 Points: Clalan; Mrs PC; Exeterfan;
6 Points: Whiptonchief;
4 Points: Last of the Beercans;
2 Points: Seaside Chief; Chief Bert; Minuteman
Next Friday we travel to The Gardens with Saints on a high having dispatched Bris with their 9 and ex Wuss 10 running the game.