Exeter v Leicester: Teams
Exeter will welcome back a number of their big guns for the visit of Leicester to Sandy Park.
Last Updated: 01/01/11 1:29pm
Exeter will welcome back a number of their big guns for the visit of Leicester to Sandy Park.
Sireli Naqelevuki and Jason Shoemark will team up in a new-look midfield partners, while Chris Whitehead and Hoani Tui come in to the front row.
On the bench, Gareth Steenson returns from injury, with Colin Slade and academy youngster Dave Ewers also included.
And prop Tui believes the Chiefs owe Leicester after being edged out 37-27 at Welford Road despite having led with 15 minutes remaining.
"That was our second game in the Premiership and we've come a long way since then," said Tui.
"We've learned a lot and I think all of us have improved immensely.
"Sunday will be a big test, not just for me, but the whole front row and the rest of the forward pack.
"Leicester are renowned for their good set-piece and good forward play, but hopefully the crowd can get behind us and we can do a job on Leicester."
Realistic
Head coach Rob Baxter added: "We've got to be very realistic and honest with ourselves. We have won some home games and an important away game (at Saracens). However, the games that had to be won we've won at home.
"It's going to be a very interesting second half of the season, but as long as we stay true to what we've been trying to do - which is to get better and not get dragged into worrying where the next league points are coming from - I think we will be fine."
The Tigers will welcome back four England internationals for the trip to Exeter.
Jordan Crane, George Chuter, Dan Cole and Ben Youngs all come into the starting XV for the clash, while Matt Smith is also included on the win.
Tigers boss Richard Cockerill said: "We're in good shape and in pretty good form but we know it will be a tough afternoon there. It is sold out in advance and these are the kind of games and days they wanted to be involved in when they got promoted.
"Exeter kept together the core of their team from last year and Rob Baxter is doing a great job.
"At Welford Road they played really well, they could have won it and were unlucky to go home with nothing in the end. We have nothing but respect for them.
"Everybody talks about momentum but we just talk about the next game and trying to get points out of it. We have to get something because every point will count."
Exeter: 15 Luke Arscott, 14 Nic Sestaret, 13 Jason Shoemark, 12 Sireli Naqelevuki, 11 Mark Foster, 10 Ryan Davis, 9 Haydn Thomas, 1 Brett Sturgess, 2 Chris Whitehead, 3 Hoani Tui, 4 Tom Hayes (capt), 5 James Hanks, 6 Tom Johnson, 7 James Scaysbrook, 8 Richard Baxter.
Replacements: 16 Simon Alcott, 17 Ben Moon, 18 Chris Budgen, 19 Chad Slade, 20 Dave Ewers, 21 Junior Poluleuligaga, 22 Gareth Steenson, 23 Phil Dollman
Leicester: 15 Geordan Murphy (c), 14 Matt Smith, 13 Manu Tuilagi, 12 Anthony Allen, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Jeremy Staunton, 9 Ben Youngs, 1 Marcos Ayerza, 2 George Chuter, 3 Dan Cole, 4 Louis Deacon, 5 Ed Slater, 6 Steve Mafi, 7 Craig Newby, 8 Jordan Crane.
Replacements: 16 Rob Hawkins, 17 Martin Castrogiovanni, 18 Julian White, 19 Calum Green, 20 Thomas Waldrom, 21 James Grindal, 22 Toby Flood, 23 Horacio Agulla