Exeter enjoyed a fine first campaign in the top flight, how will they cope with second season sydrome?
Second season issues for the Chiefs
Having taken the Premiership by storm in their debut campaign Exeter Chiefs could find life harder the second time around.
Exeter had defied the odds to finish eighth, having won promotion to the top-flight the previous season by beating Bristol in the play-offs.
The Chiefs got the season off to a flyer as they toppled Gloucester in the opening game, while Northampton and Saracens were also beaten during a memorable campaign.
However despite their exploits of 2010/11, the Chiefs will have to raise their levels if they are to avoid the same fate of Leeds - who were relegated just 12 months after an impressive return to the top-flight.
Coach Rob Baxter has kept together the large majority of the same squad, with 20 players all committing to new deals.
Baxter has also looked to add experience to his side with his recruitment focusing largely on the pack.
Wales prop Craig Mitchell, experienced locks Peter Short and Aly Muldowney and Australian back-row Ben White have all joined in the summer while front-rower John Andress returns to the club from Quins.
Baxter has also added some quality to the back division, though, with Amlin Challenge Cup winner Gonzalo Camacho, Samoan centre Josh Tatupu, free-scoring Myles Dorrian and talented half-back Kevin Barrett arriving.
Skysports.com prediction: The Chiefs look set to go for the tried and tested formula that served them so well last season and they will be hard to beat up front. However, with few changes to their squad, they risk opposition sides working them out. They will hope the arrival of Camacho will help them pick up some much needed bonus points along the way. A tough start to the campaign could leave them playing catch up although they should do more than enough to survive.
11th.
Head coach: Rob Baxter.
Captain: Tom Hayes.
Sky Bet odds: 150/1.
Last season: 8th
In: Craig Mitchell (Ospreys), John Andress (Harlequins), Peter Short (Bath), Aly Muldowney (Glasgow), Ben White (Cardiff Blues), Kevin Barrett (Saracens), Myles Dorrian (Bedord Blues), Josh Tatupu (Castres), Gonzalo Camacho (Harlequins)
Out: Eoghan Grace (Connacht), Ryan Davis (London Wasps), Josh Matavesi (Racing Metro), Nemani Nadolo (Green Rockets), Jack Andrew (Plymouth, Andrew Higgins (England Sevens), Ruaidhri Murphy (Easts Tigers), Garrick Cowley (released), Andy Miller (retiring), Ignacio Elosu (released), Dave Gannon (released), Paul McKenzie (released)
Key man - Tom Johnson: The flanker was simply inspirational last season, deservedly earning a call-up to the England Saxons side. Exeter will need him to carry on that form - and his good work at the breakdown - over the course of the season if they are to frustrate sides.
