Baxter names Investec Champions Cup side

Rob Baxter has named his Exeter Chiefs side to come up against Bath Rugby at Sandy Park tomorrow afternoon (April 6), in their Investec Champions Cup last 16 knockout clash.

Baxter’s men were bruised by a tough loss to Sale Sharks in Manchester in Round 14 of the Gallagher Premiership last weekend but turn all attention to the possibility of progression in the 2023/24 European campaign.

In the front row, Jack Yeandle starts at hooker in an impressive 50th Champions Cup appearance. Alongside him for another week, the veteran Chief will have Scott Sio at loosehead and Ehren Painter at tighthead.

Rusi Tuima returns to the matchday line-up to partner Dafydd Jenkins in the boiler room while in the back row, Ethan Roots looks set for his first Chiefs appearance following the Guinness Six Nations. The England man will start alongside fellow internationals Christ Tshiunza and Ross Vintcent.

The familiar duo of Tom Cairns and Harvey Skinner is picked as the scrum half - fly half combination. In the centres, it’s the extremely experienced pairing of Henry Slade and Ollie Devoto.

The back three from last weekend’s tough defeat remains intact as Josh Hodge starts at fullback with Olly Woodburn and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on the wings.

Director of Rugby Rob Baxter says all focus has been on preparation for this weekend’s fixture rather than reflection on last weekend.

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