Exeter v Harlequins: Teams
Exeter assistant coach Ali Hepher insists his side are "fully focused" on ending Harlequins' impressive run of form.
Last Updated: 11/02/11 1:34pm
Exeter assistant coach Ali Hepher insists his side are "fully focused" on ending Harlequins' impressive run of form.
Quins will arrive at Sandy Park on the back of nine straight wins, but Exeter have proved to be a fearsome opposition at home this season.
And Hepher claims the Chiefs are looking forward to the challenge.
"They are a quality side, they're going well, but equally we have progressed since we last played them and hopefully we'll have learnt a few lessons," said Hepher.
"Our aim for Saturday is to bring a good quality performance. The guys have been training really well, they've been enthusiastic, energetic and they are very excited about this game.
"Harlequins are a good side and we've seen that throughout the season. They are the form side at the minute, but at the same time we are confident in our own ability, especially at home.
Priority
"We have a good record here and we'll certainly challenge and front up to any team that comes here, so it will be a great opportunity for us to be the first side to beat them in a while.
"As we have said all season, we just want to push up the league and get as many wins as we can. The Amlin Cup was a great experience and so was the LV=, but we always knew the Premiership was our priority, so we're fully focused on this weekend and this next bunch of games."
Harlequins will welcome back England Saxons contingent for the trip to Exeter.
The likes of Ugo Monye, George Robson, Mike Brown and Joe Marler all come back into the side following the LV= Cup victory over Cardiff Blues.
Fit-again James Johnston is also included, however Sam Smith is likely to be out of action for six to eight weeks with a broken thumb.
Exeter: 15 Luke Arscott, 14 Matt Jess, 13 Jason Shoemark, 12 Sireli Naqelevuki, 11 Nic Sestaret, 10 Gareth Steenson, 9 Haydn Thomas, 8 Richard Baxter, 7 James Scaysbrook, 6 Tom Johnson, 5 James Hanks, 4 Tom Hayes (capt), 3 Chris Budgen, 2 Neil Clark, 1 Brett Sturgess.
Replacements: 16 Chris Whitehead, 17 Ben Moon, 18 Hoani Tui, 19 Chad Slade, 20 James Phillips, 21 Junior Poluleuligaga, 22 Ryan Davis, 23 Phil Dollman.
Harlequins: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Gonzalo Camacho, 13 George Lowe, 12 Jordan Turner-Hall, 11 Ugo Monye, 10 Nick Evans, 9 Karl Dickson, 8 Chris Robshaw (capt), 7 Will Skinner, 6 Maurie Fa'asavalu, 5 George Robson, 4 Ollie Kohn, 3 James Johnston, 2 Joe Gray, 1 Joe Marler.
Replacements: 16 Chris Brooker, 17 Ceri Jones, 18 Mark Lambert, 19 Tomas Vallejos, 20 M Browne, 21 Dave Moore, 22 Rory Clegg, 23 Tom Williams.