Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is back in the Exeter Chiefs starting line-up for the round five Gallagher PREM match against Harlequins at Sandy Park.
The Exeter and England winger returns after recovering from a hamstring injury, giving Rob Baxter an important boost in the back three for a home league game that carries more weight than usual. Exeter go into the Halloween clash in ninth place, with Harlequins just above them in 10th, and Baxter has made it clear that points are needed in the table.
That backdrop adds extra significance to a fixture that comes tomorrow afternoon. Harlequins arrive after a comprehensive win over Saracens last weekend, while Exeter are still managing a few fitness concerns of their own.
Injury concerns for Exeter
Dafydd Jenkins and Tom Hooper picked up knocks in the win over Bristol Bears last weekend, so Exeter’s selection picture has been shaped by recent injuries as well as Feyi-Waboso’s return. Lewis Pearson also remains unavailable after injuring his pectoral muscle against Bristol Bears in a Prem Rugby Cup match at Sandy Park in September.
Feyi-Waboso’s comeback is the most encouraging development for Exeter. His pace and threat out wide give the Chiefs another proven option in a match where the margins could be tight, especially with both sides looking to build momentum early in the season.
Baxter wants the right mentality
Baxter said Harlequins will travel to Devon in good spirits after their result against Saracens, and he expects a close contest between two teams with plenty of attacking talent. He said Exeter are a little edgy because of where they sit in the league table, but that only increases the importance of the mental side of the game.
For Baxter, the key is getting the attitude right from the start. He said Harlequins won the attitude battle last week, and noted that if Exeter can win that same battle at home in front of a decent crowd, it could be the difference-maker. With Feyi-Waboso back in the XV, Exeter at least have one more reason to believe they can deliver that response.
