England A Captain Root Returns for Key Premiership Cup Match

Ethan Roots returns as captain for the Exeter Chiefs in the upcoming PREM Rugby Cup match against Gloucester Rugby. The highly anticipated fixture is set to take place on Valentine’s Day at Sandy Park, starting at 14:00. This match is pivotal for both teams as they aim for a spot in the knockout stages of the competition.

Premiership Cup Match Details

The Chiefs will compete in their penultimate pool match, looking to secure a victory that could influence their chances of reaching the semi-finals. Exeter’s director of rugby, Rob Baxter, noted the significance of this encounter, stating, “I’m expecting it to be a full-blooded game this weekend. Gloucester are coming here with a real opportunity to get positive momentum in the competition.”

Team Changes and Players to Watch

• Max Norey returns to the lineup, starting at hooker after scoring two tries last weekend.
• Will Goodrick-Clarke will play loosehead and Josh Iosefa-Scott at tighthead.
• Richard Capstick slides into the second row, joining Rusi Tuima, while Lewis Pearson gets rest due to a minor knee injury.
• Ethan Roots will command the back row alongside Martin Moloney and Finn Worley Brady.
• Charlie Chapman takes the scrum-half position with Harvey Skinner returning at fly-half.
• The centre positions feature the young duo Ollie Batson and Zack Wimbush.
• Paul Brown-Bampoe starts following a strong performance off the bench last week, supported by Campbell Ridl and Josh Hodge at wing and full-back, respectively.

Matchday Strategy

Baxter emphasized the pressure on both teams, describing the match as crucial for their rankings. With a bye-week in the final pool round, Exeter needs to secure victories in this match and the next to remain in contention for the semi-finals.

Bench and Ticket Information

• The bench features a traditional 5-3 split with replacement hooker Julian Heaven and props Khwezi Mona and Jimmy Roots.
• Younger talents Oscar Beckerleg and Joe Bailey are prepared to cover the back five.
• Tom Cairns and Ben Coen will serve as the replacement half-back pairing.
• Dan John rounds out the matchday squad.

Tickets for the match are still available through the Exeter Chiefs website. Fans can expect an exciting clash filled with high stakes as both teams look to solidify their positions in the tournament.