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This week the chiefs return to league action by hosting bottom side Leeds Carnegie. This will be a chance for both sides to renew acquaintances after last meeting in the old National division one in the 2008-09 season. Sadly for Chiefs, Leeds came out on top in both encounters that season, winning 14-13 at Sandy Park, and once again 18-16 in a nail biting encounter at Headingly, with a Gareth Steenson penalty dropping short in the last minute. Leeds still remain the only team to have won more than once in a first team fixture at Sandy Park, having also won there in the 2006-07 season.

So what of this season? Well both teams have had contrasting fortunes in the Aviva Premiership so far. Leeds, having been trailblazers for Championship sides last season by managing to stay up after promotion, have not been able to carry that form into this season. A disappointing return of 2 losing bonus points from their first 7 fixtures, plus big defeats against London Irish and Leicester has already left them 12 points adrift of 9th placed Chiefs. Leeds will have been buoyed by a good second half display in their recent LV cup fixture against Sale, eventually going down 17-23. Carnegie will also be without their England squad players, hooker Steve Thompson and flanker Hendre Fourie, plus former England hooker Andy Titterell is missing to a long term injury.

For Chiefs an almost full squad should be available (Sireli Naqelevuki and Josh Matavesi are away with Fiji, and Junior Polu and Chad Slade with Samoa), and the selectors will have to make some very tough decisions following some excellent individual performances in games against Saracens and Wasps. The 29-6 LV cup win against Wasps in particular demonstrated what strength in depth the squad now boasts, with 15 changes to the side which defeated Saracens. Argentinian international fly half Ignacio Mieres showing his credentials for the 10 jersey by bagging 19 points in an outstanding all round display, as well as first starts for Australian international second row Peter Kimlin, and Scotland A flanker Andy Miller. The game also featured a breathtaking 20 minute debut by New Zealander Jason Shoemark who came off the bench to make some barnstorming runs from outside centre.

This fixture certainly has a lot riding on it, being the first in a block of 3 against the teams currently lying in 8th, 10th and 12th. A return of 10 points from matches against Gloucester, Saracens, Northampton and London Irish will have justifiably given the Exeter players the confidence to win these upcoming fixtures, and potentially cement the clubs position in the Premiership this season. Likewise Leeds will no doubt have targeted this fixture pre-season as a real opportunity to pick up points on the road, and let’s not forget Carnegie stayed up last season despite having to wait until November for their first win – Saturday will be the perfect opportunity to kick start their faltering season. Leeds have an excellent lineout, a big pack and dangerous runners, and Chiefs must be on the money to win on Saturday – just remember what a close call the Newcastle game was after a superb performance away at Leicester!

We look forward to welcoming our friends from Yorkshire back to Sandy Park for what should be a great game.

COME ON YOU CHIEFS!