Chiefs chase vital win to secure Cup progression

This weekend, Exeter Chiefs will host Cornish Pirates at Sandy Park on 9 February 2025 at 3.00pm in a vital Premiership Rugby Cup clash, with a win securing their progression to the next stage of the competition.

Exeter Chiefs remain at the top of Pool E in the Premiership Rugby Cup after securing another five-point victory against Hartpury last weekend, leaving them on the verge of a progression game. A dominant performance saw Chiefs score six tries in a convincing bonus-point win on the road.

Meanwhile, in the same pool, Cornish Pirates put up a valiant effort against Gloucester at the Mennaye, narrowly missing out but still securing a losing bonus point for their troubles. The result sets the stage for what promises to be a crucial weekend of action.

For the Chiefs, several changes have been made ahead of this week’s fixture. Kwenzo Blose and Jimmy Roots are promoted to the starting line-up, and club captain Jack Yeandle returns to lead the side from hooker. The forward pack is bolstered by Rusi Tuima and Franco Molina in the second row, with a dynamic back row featuring Ethan Roots, Richard Capstick, and Jacques Vermeulen providing power and physicality.

In the backs, Tom Cairns and Will Haydon-Wood will form the half-back pairing, with Tamati Tua returning to the starting centre alongside Joe Hawkins. The back three is completed by Paul Brown-Bampoe and Ben Hammersley on the wings, with Tommy Wyatt at full-back.

Director of Rugby Rob Baxter is cautious about the challenge posed by Cornish Pirates, acknowledging their competitiveness as a Championship side. “Cornish Pirates are a good, competitive Championship side,” Baxter said. “We had a really good fixture down there at the Mennaye earlier this season and we had a tough fixture last weekend against Hartpury away from home as well.

“We expect quite a lot from Championship sides because we know they’re good sides. We’ve got players in that league on loan, so we know how much they benefit from the coaching and the rugby they play every week.

“From our perspective, we’re expecting it to be a good game with a decent crowd of supporters both of Chiefs and of Pirates so that they can enjoy a really good day’s rugby.”

On the bench, Dan Frost and Marcus Street will provide front-row support, with Billy Keast potentially making his first Chiefs appearance of the season after a loan spell with Cornish Pirates. Martin Moloney and Lewis Pearson also retain their places from last week’s victory.

In the backs, Stu Townsend, recently achieving Chiefs centurion status, is joined by Dan John, who returns from injury, and 22-year-old Charlie McCaig could make his debut in what promises to be an exciting fixture for the Chiefs.

With one more strong performance, the Chiefs are set to secure their place in the next stage of the Premiership Rugby Cup, keeping their momentum high as they look to build on their impressive season.

Meanwhile, with Exeter Chiefs Women, flanker Maddie Feaunati will start Saturday’s Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) game against Bristol Bears as both teams battle for a place in the top four. This marks Exeter’s first visit to Ashton Gate, though Feaunati has previously played at the venue for the Red Roses.

Feaunati is one of three changes in the starting line-up, with Alexandra Tessier returning to centre in place of the injured Gabby Cantorna. Flo Long replaces DaLeaka Menin, who suffered a concussion in the opening minutes of last weekend's narrow loss to Harlequins.

On the bench, Charli Jacoby and Sabrina Poulin come in for Long and Tessier.

The re-scheduled Round 9 match sees fourth-placed Chiefs face the Bears, who sit just two points behind in fifth.

Last time out, Rachel Johnson led the league in dominant carries (eight) and post-contact metres (40), while PWR Player of the Week Claudia Macdonald beat 12 defenders and made five clean breaks. Tessier was also instrumental, assisting three tries.

Head coach Susie Appleby is optimistic heading into the game, saying: "There were lots of positives from the Quins game. The girls are really positive, so if we keep that going, we will make our own luck. We’re really excited to be playing at Ashton Gate for the first time, as it’s similar to Sandy Park in size and the pitch is grass, not plastic."

Appleby highlighted the need to control possession against a Bristol side that has added a kicking game to their attacking style: "Bristol will want to run the ball, but they have brought in more of a kicking game, so we need to make sure we are ready for that. If you can get hold of the ball and keep hold of it and minimise their possession and territory, then you give yourself a shot."

Exeter Chiefs Women’s game against Bristol Bears will kick off at 12.15pm.