Leeds v Exeter: Teams
Leeds captain Marco Wentzel is set to make his long-awaited return for the visit of Exeter.
By Tony Curtis - Twitter: @SkySportsTC
Last Updated: 01/04/11 4:27pm
Leeds captain Marco Wentzel is set to make his long-awaited return for the visit of Exeter.
The former Leicester lock had been due to return from a hamstring injury for last week's trip to Sale only to pull out of that match.
Wentzel, though, has been passed fit to lead the side in the must-win clash - with Sean Hohneck dropping out of the squad.
Leeds coach Neil Back has also been forced into a change on the bench, with Scott Freer ruled out with an arm injury and Phil Nilsen replacing him.
Exeter will be out to end their seven-match losing run at Headingley on Sunday.
The Chiefs have yet to win at Leeds, with their last visit two years ago ending in an 18-16 loss.
And assistant coach Ali Hepher knows his side will have to tackle Leeds head on if they are to end that run.
Intensity
"I think we've got to beat their intensity," said Hepher. "We've got to create that environment, that desperation to fight for our lives ourselves.
"That's what it's been about all season. Okay, we're in a different situation now, but it's vital we're able to recreate that.
"Anyone can do it when you're in trouble or when you're struggling, but it's the true top professionals who can produce it week in, week out when there's not such a threat behind them."
Exeter have made five changes to their line-up for the trip - with Chad Slade, James Phillips, Junior Poluleuligaga, Bryan Rennie and Nemani Nadolo all handed starts.
On the bench Chris Whitehead and Phil Dollman have been added following the defeat to London Irish last time out.
Leeds: 15 Michael Stephenson, 14 Lee Blacket, 13 Henry Faafili, 12 Luther Burrell, 11 Peter Wackett, 10 Adrian Jarvis, 9 Scott Mathie, 1 Mike MacDonald, 2 Steve Thompson, 3 Phil Swainston, 4 Dan Browne, 5 Marco Wentzel, 6 Kearnan Myall, 7 Hendre Fourie, 8 Alfie Tooala
Replacements: 16 Phil Nilsen, 17 Gareth Hardy, 18 Juan Gomez, 19 Danny Paul, 20 Rhys Oakley, 21 Dan White, 22 Christian Lewis Pratt, 23 Semi Tadulala
Exeter: 15 Luke Arscott, 14 Nemani Nadolo, 13 Jason Shoemark, 12 Bryan Rennie, 11 Sireli Naqelevuki, 10 Gareth Steenson, 9 Junior Poluleuligaga, 1 Brett Sturgess, 2 Neil Clark, 3 Chris Budgen, 4 Tom Hayes (capt), 5 Chad Slade, 6 James Phillips, 7 James Scaysbrook, 8 Richard Baxter
Replacements: 16 Chris Whitehead, 17 Ben Moon, 18 Hoani Tui, 19 Dave Gannon, 20 Tom Johnson, 21 Haydn Thomas, 22 Ignacio Mieres, 23 Phil Dollman