Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 11, 2024 9:43 am GMT
The Exeter Chiefs are set to face the Ulster Rugby team in their final pre-season friendly match at Sandy Park on Saturday, a crucial opportunity for both teams to finalize their rosters ahead of the upcoming Gallagher Premiership season.
Chiefs Team Announcement
Rob Baxter, head coach of the Exeter Chiefs, has revealed his match-day 23 for the friendly against Ulster. This match marks an important step as the team prepares for their season opener against the Leicester Tigers next weekend on September 21. The Chiefs’ lineup will showcase a mix of experienced players and promising talents, emphasizing the team’s strategy of maintaining a strong foundation while integrating new signings.
Starting XV Overview
In the front row, Marcus Street will lead as an experienced player alongside Dan Frost, who takes on the role of hooker, and Will Goodrick-Clarke, who joins as a loosehead prop after his summer signing. The second row remains unchanged from last week’s match against Ospreys, with Rusi Tuima and Richard Capstick continuing their partnership.
The back row features Ross Vintcent, who returns to play for the Chiefs after a strong summer with the Italian national team. He will join Ethan Roots and Jacques Vermeulen, who will captain the side once again.
In the half-back combination, Niall Armstrong takes over at scrum-half, while Harvey Skinner retains his spot at fly-half. The center partnership consists of Ben Hammersley and Joe Hawkins, who will look to create opportunities for the backs. In the back three, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, returning from international duty, joins Olly Woodburn and Josh Hodge.
Bench Strength
The bench features a mix of seasoned players and rising talent, including Jack Yeandle, Kwenzo Blose, and Josh Iosefa-Scott forming the replacement front row. Notably, Christ Tshiunza is expected to make his first pre-season appearance at Sandy Park. The backs are represented by younger players such as Tom Cairns, Will Haydon-Wood, and Will Rigg, showcasing the Chiefs’ investment in their academy system.
Ulster’s Lineup and Key Players
On the other side, Ulster has also made important decisions regarding their squad for the match against the Chiefs. Zac Ward, a standout from the Ireland Sevens, is set to make his first start for Ulster, bringing excitement after his recent accolades, including being named Ireland’s men’s Sevens player of the year. This match presents an opportunity for Ward to showcase his skills on a larger stage after previously coming off the bench in last week’s game against Benetton.
Key Additions and Strategy
Joining Ward is South African winger Werner Kok, who is looking to make his debut after signing from the Sharks. Kok’s inclusion signifies Ulster’s commitment to enhancing their attacking arsenal. Corrie Barrett will start at tighthead prop for the second consecutive week, as head coach Richie Murphy evaluates different combinations in the front row to strengthen the team ahead of the season.
In a youthful yet experienced lineup, Alan O’Connor captains the squad. The back row features the Rea brothers, Matty and Marcus, providing leadership and skill. The half-back pairing of Nathan Doak and Aidan Morgan aims to further develop their synergy, while the back three includes Aaron Sexton, Ethan McIlroy, and Ward, rounding off a competitive back line.
Bench and Future Prospects
Murphy has opted to keep several prominent players, including Eric O’Sullivan and Scott Wilson, on the bench to evaluate younger talent during this pre-season clash. Academy players Henry Walker and James Humphreys are also included on the replacement list, facilitating Ulster’s transition into the new season with fresh prospects.
Looking Ahead
The pre-season match serves as a vital preparation for both teams as they gear up for the Gallagher Premiership. For the Chiefs, a successful outing against Ulster will help build momentum heading into their opening game against Leicester Tigers. Meanwhile, Ulster will look to finalize their tactics and strengthen team dynamics before their own season begins.
The match at Sandy Park will start at 5 PM. It’s going to be an exciting game as both teams get ready for the upcoming rugby season!
