Exeter v Worcester: Teams
Coach Rob Baxter hopes Exeter can deliver him some early Christmas cheer by claiming victory in their clash with Worcester at Sandy Park.
Last Updated: 02/12/11 5:09pm
Exeter coach Rob Baxter has made three changes from the side that won at Sale last week ahead of the visit of Worcester.
Walsh international Craig Mitchell is handed his Premiership debut in the front row at the expense of Hoani Tui, whilst the half-backs are also changed with Haydn Thomas and Ignacio Mieres replacing Pat Phibbs and Gareth Steenson.
Fly-half Mieres was dubbed the hero at Sale last weekend as it was his try 40 seconds from time that ensured Exeter of only their second away win of the season.
"I don't mind saying we have a lot of disappointed players here right now because they all feel they are playing well and they want to get involved in the big games," Baxter said of the changes.
"However, it's always going to be like that if you have a strong squad and you stay injury free. Obviously it's something for us as a management to deal with, but it's something the players have to deal with as well because they need to and stay hungry and focused."
The sides last met in league combat at the old County Ground in 2004 when Baxter captained the side to a 25-14 defeat.
But with both sides now amongst the English elite, the age-old rivalry between the two is set to be renewed and Baxter is relishing the prospect.
"I think the last time we played them in the league I was playing, so it shows we haven't played them for a while," he said.
"That said, I think Saturday's game will be interesting. Both teams are coming in off the back of a win last week and it just adds that little bit of extra spice because both ourselves and Worcester will know when you double up Premiership victories, something quite special happens and all of a sudden you are jumping up the league."
Two changes
Meanwhile, prop Bruce Douglas and lock James Percival are both recalled to the Worcester starting line-up as they make the journey south.
Head coach Richard Hill has made two changes to his pack as Douglas replaces Matt Mullan in the front row to join Ed Shervington and Tevita Taumoepeau.
Percival returns at lock where he lines up alongside Craig Gillies, a move that means Chris Jones can move to number eight with Sam Betty and Matt Kvesic also operating in the back row. Prop Oliver Tomazczyk is declared fit to take his place among the replacements while Dale Rasmussen will captain the Warriors.
"I like Exeter and really admire what they have done," said Hill.
"They play exceptionally well together, are very well drilled and have a very effective game plan. They have a great spirit and all play for each other. The crowd down in Exeter is also very good and it's a fantastic stadium and set-up for the future. They are difficult to beat.
"We will have to meet them up front and be physical, if we don't we will lose. I don't think there is much to choose between the teams and in our last two league games we have picked up six points.
"We are getting that intensity and consistency and a win on Saturday will put us into the middle of the table. Exeter is a tough place to go and we have only picked up two points on the road, but our progress over the last few weeks has been good and we will look to give them a real game."
Exeter: 15 Luke Arscott, 14 Gonzalo Camacho, 13 Nic Sestaret, 12 Jason Shoemark, 11 Matt Jess, 10 Ignacio Mieres, 9 Haydn Thomas, 8 Richard Baxter, 7 James Scaysbrook, 6 Tom Johnson, 5 James Hanks, 4 Tom Hayes (capt), 3 Craig Mitchell, 2 Neil Clark, 1 Brett Sturgess.
Replacements: 16 Simon Alcott, 17 Ben Moon, 18 Hoani Tui, 19 James Phillips, 20 Ben White, 21 Pat Phibbs, 22 Gareth Steenson, 23 Josh Tatupu.
Worcester: 15 Errie Claassens, 14 Marcel Garvey, 13 Alex Grove, 12 Dale Rasmussen (capt), 11 Miles Benjamin, 10 Joe Carlisle, 9 Shaun Perry, 8 Chris Jones, 7 Matt Kvesic, 6 Sam Betty, 5 Craig Gillies, 4 James Percival, 3 Tevita Taumoepeau, 2 Ed Shervington, 1 Bruce Douglas.
Replacements: 16 James Currie, 17 Aleki Lutui, 18 Oliver Tomaszczyk, 19 Ben Gulliver, 20 Jake Abbott, 21 Jonny Arr, 22 Andy Goode, 23 Chris Pennell.