London Irish vs Exeter Chiefs

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Exeter Chiefs

15 Josh Hodge
14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
13 Henry Slade
12 Ollie Devoto
11 Tom Wyatt
10 Harvey Skinny
9 Stu Townsend
8 Greg Fisilau
7 Christ Tshiunza
6 Jacques Vermeulen
5 Jack Dunne
4 Jannes Kirsten
3 Josh Iosefa-Scott
2 Jack Innard
1 Alec Hepburn


16 Iestyn Harris
17 Billy Keast
18 Marcus Street
19 Mike Williams
20 Aidon Davi
21 Tom Cairns
22 Tom Hendrickson
23 Dan John

London Irish:

15 Henry Arundell,
14 Ben Loader,
13 Benhard van Rensburg,
12 Rory Jennings,
11 Lucio Cinti,
10 Paddy Jackson,
9 Ben White,
1 Danilo Fischetti,
2 Agustin Creevy,
3 Oliver Hoskins,
4 Api Ratuniyarawa,
5 Rob Simmons,
6 Matt Rogerson (c),
7 Juan Martin Gonzalez,
8 So’otala Fa’aso’o.

Replacements:

16 Mike Willemse,
17 Tarek Haffar,
18 Lovejoy Chawatama,
19 Josh Caulfield,
20 Tom Pearson,
21 Chandler Cunningham-South,
22 Joe Powell,
23 James Stokes.

Match Officials

Referee: Luke Pearce
Assistant Referees: Craig Maxwell-Keys and Wayne Falla.
TMO: Stuart Terheege.
Citing Officer: Chris Catling

Weather Forecast as at 1200 Friday

Light rain showers and gentle breeze from the Southwest
Temperature will feel like 18 degrees
Low Chance of Precipitation

TV Coverage

Not on BT but available on PRTV

Match Preview from Gallagher site:

London Irish’s three game winning run in Gallagher Premiership Rugby ended with their 21-45 defeat at Saracens in Round 23. The Exiles have lost only once at Gtech Community Stadium in Premiership Rugby since October: 22-25 to Leicester Tigers on 25 February.

Exeter Chiefs beat Bristol 22-21 at Sandy Parkin Round 23 to end a two-game losing run in the competition. The Chiefs have lost their last seven away games in Premiership Rugby since beating Bristol 50-14 at Ashton Gate on 7 October, this represents their worst ever away trot in Premiership Rugby.

The last six meetings between the two clubs in Premiership Rugby have been evenly split with three wins a piece. Exeter have visited Gtech Stadium on three previous occasions winning twice, 31-12 in Premiership Rugby in May 2021 and 24-20 after extra time in the final of this year’s Premiership Rugby Cup.

Well, one day that will be a strong side. At the moment there are quite a few that are desperately short of game time, both new and established guys.

As Rob outlined earlier in the week no room for sentiment and giving next season's squad game time. Shame for Jack Nowell as Ĺondon Irish away would have neatly bookended his Premiership career. So nearly scored in the corner on debut in 2012. Still sneaked a win.

A very mixed up side could be a long afternoon upfront, plus no cover at 10.
On my quick calculation I see Irish have just 4 EQP players in their starting line up and as such you can understand how that makes Borthwicks job so tough, not a criticism, just an observation as within the rules.

I like Irish style of play and it will be a very open game I expect. Let’s pray for no idiotic cards from the officials.

Good luck to the young Feyi - Wabaso on debut.

Irish 48 Chiefs 24.

My worry is that our 11 to 15 will not get an opportunity to perform, the combo of Stu and Harvey is probably the last starting pairing I would pick, I would be happier if Cairns was starting. I like Stu but as a last 20 mins player, he's not a good starting 9, and I just cannot see him bonding with Harvey, and if that happens then 12 and 13 will get little good ball to work with. If we get dominated up front, then as Andy says, it could be a long afternoon. I'm glad Cairns is getting some game time, I prefer him to Becconsall, who I think in his first 4 games got a very easy ride, but the last 3 games have highlighted the weak spots in his game. There is more to playing 9 than a fast pass.

I think Stu started our 2017 premiership final win so that is good enough for me.

I'm going with optimism. LI 20 Chiefs 25

Both Becconsall are at the very early stages of their rugby careers and nobody would argue that they are the finished article. What they need is game time. It would have been interesting to start with Cairns but I guess he is covering both 9 & 10 from the bench.

Glad/relieved to see Devoto back. Chance for him to get some decent game time without being under pressure to perform. Henry or Devo could cover at 10. London Irish will be a challenge but when we first came up into the the Prem every game was a challenge and that is the mindset needed. An away win in the context of this season will be a huge result.

That’s not a bad side, it’s looking good for next season.

LI 17 Chiefs 25

A strong Irish side who might have been affected by off-fild events this week!
Discipline will be paramount and, with Luke Pearce in charge, it will be fast paced. Going to go with my heart and say Chiefs 31 Irish 24.

Irish 28 - 18 Chiefs

Not expecting anything from this game tbh, however I’m glad it’s the first squad of a new era.
Lack of game time for some but experience will be gained.
Time to look forward…….a good holiday for the boys and then back with a new look.
I’m optimistic going forward to see what these and our new arrivals can achieve.

Chiefs 21 Irish 19

Looking forward to seeing how the new look team performs, in particular Feyi Waboso. Along with Hodge we have 2 speed merchants. Hopefully will be entertaining.

Forever hopeful LI 18 - 26 Exe

Quote:

Andy15.1
A very mixed up side could be a long afternoon upfront, plus no cover at 10.
On my quick calculation I see Irish have just 4 EQP players in their starting line up and as such you can understand how that makes Borthwicks job so tough, not a criticism, just an observation as within the rules.

I like Irish style of play and it will be a very open game I expect. Let’s pray for no idiotic cards from the officials.

Good luck to the young Feyi - Wabaso on debut.

Think 10 covered by Slade and Dan John - rate DJ very highly - natural sportsman we need to hold onto

Irish 48 Chiefs 24.

Need to play these guys and this is as good at time as any, loads of pace on the pitch in the pack and backs. We are in Europe so can help pay the bills next season, and it is a happy hunting ground this season for many of that team. Wouldn’t be shocked if we got a win, but they are an unknown factor to us let alone LI.
But they will be quality.

High scoring I think so - London Irish 45 - 28 Exeter

Much as i would love the team to finish with a good winning performance i am afraid our away form has not really brought out the best in the players. LIRISH 42 Chiefs 35

This is a new dawn. They have everything to play for and nothing to lose - a dangerous combination. On the other hand, LI have had a turbulent week and who knows how their prep went, or where their heads are. I'm hopeful for a taste of what to expect next season.
Irish 22; Chiefs 45

In Rob we trust.
By the way - cream on first. There's nothing to debate.

I think we may well get hammered. The LI pack are strong and Creevy still top quality. Their back line is certainly not bad. I am very pleased ROB has picked a team on who is available next year. I doubt they can gel as a team immediately hence we may struggle. Even if they lose heavily against Irish away as long as they play with passion and energy it is OK. BA - I agree re Stu and disagree re Becconsall. He has certainly not had it easy but totally agree a lot to learn, as does Cairns. Love it to be close but could be Irish 48 Chiefs 19.

Irish 38 Chiefs 29

Exciting back 5.but will Skinner be up to it???
Irish 38- chiefs 25

A settled Irish side that may have been unsettled by this week’s events. Nevertheless, I’m expecting a high scoring game Irish 36 Chiefs 32

Think it will finish on a high score to, L Irish to nick it 38- 17 hope Harvey Skinner starts to step up.

LI 30 - 18 Exe

Irish 45 Chiefs 15

Seven away defeats in a row speaks for itself, and that Irish team looks strong.

Irish 32 - 24 Chiefs

Irish 24 - Chiefs 28

Not very positive about the result this afternoon but really looking forward to seeing the start of the Prem journey for this group of players.
Mrs PC LI 24 Ex 21
PC LI 31 Ex 14

Irish 31 Chiefs 28

I too think a hammering could be on the cards, but these players need game time and patience. For me, the result depends on the mentality of the LI squad, they've had a tough week and who knows what's on the cards for them next year. I hope all works out for them, the players might well know more than has been released publicly. This emotional energy could see them really up for it or not at all focused. Let's hope for an enjoyable game, with the result not really mattering, and some positive news for Irish fans.

Irish 45 Chiefs 19

Hi Big Chief Little Chief, 100% agree with your sentiments for London Irish. I am sure whatever the result we all hope we can welcome them at Sandy Park next year.

This looks like a match where one team (Irish) want to finish 5th and the other (us) want the season to be over and aren't too bothered where we finish in the top 8. The backs look like they could cause some problems - although I'm not sure about our 9 & 10 - but they've got to get the ball and I'm not confident our pack can do that. It looks like it could be raining throughout the match - not sure if that's a help or a hindrance.

Irish 42 Chiefs 28

LI 42 Chiefs 22

Like others, don't see our half backs producing much as good ball may be tough to come by.

Irish 41 Chiefs 32

The poor away run has to end sometime. Not today I fear. Irish 45 Chiefs 28

On the end of some poor decisions from Pearce, first LI try wasn't grounded and second was a forward pass also shoulder to head on Hodge but no foul play. The commentator on PRTV thought that everything LI did was wonderful but always found fault with Chiefs. But i thought the lads did well.

LI 7 Luke Pearce 10 Chiefs 14.

Congrats to Ouch that hurts for topping the chart this season. Mike the shirt was second following up his win last season. The rest of us struggled with varying degrees of "success".
Thanks to everyone that took part, particularly those who saw it out to the bitter end. We can all hopefully do it again next season.

An away losing bonus point. Not the way I’m sure we wanted to finish but it could have been worse! (My glass is a little more than half full)
73 Points: Ouch that hurts;
71 Points: Mike the Shirt;
69 Points: Scottish Chief;
68 Points: Bold Eagle;
65 Points: Andy15.1;
63 Points: Hankey;
62 Points: Dumnoniinomad; ExTedd Chief; Cornwall Chief;
59 Points: Chief Firewater; Rowancroft73;
58 Points: Plympton Chief;
57 Points: Lowerwatha; Keithbar54; Not Manichean;
56 Points: Osmium;
53 Points: Alain le Chief;
52 Points: Mrs PC; Cully Chief;
51 Points: Lapo;
50 Points: Stokecanon; Currychef; Big Chief Little Chief;
43 Points: Ex58;
42 Points: Fisher; Ljs399;
34 Points: Seaside Chief;
Next week – nothing!!

Quote:

Boldeagle
On the end of some poor decisions from Pearce, first LI try wasn't grounded and second was a forward pass also shoulder to head on Hodge but no foul play. The commentator on PRTV thought that everything LI did was wonderful but always found fault with Chiefs. But i thought the lads did well.

I’m not sure the commentator had a direct impact on the outcome of the game, but I agree the production and camerawork from PRTV was shocking. I thought the picture of Gonzalez grounding the ball for the first try was clear enough, but the footage of the tackle by van Rensburg on Hodge was pretty blurry at best, so to sanction someone on the strength of it would be harsh. It’s just a shame that what should have been a cracking game was ruined by the weather and, even worse, Quins were allowed to sneak into a wholly undeserved 6th place…

Quote:

plymptonchief
Next week – nothing!!

Your Womens team are the form team, table toppers and are visiting the StoneX for what should be a good game. Sarries really need the win and the 6 Nations Internationals are back for both sides.

If you've the inclination you could guess that one

Thanks PC.

Thanks for organising and running the predictions league again this year (and, of course, our forum) PC.

Quote:

ouch!_that_hurts
Thanks for organising and running the predictions league again this year (and, of course, our forum) PC.

+1. All your efforts are appreciated

Quote:

Chief Fire Water

Quote:

ouch!_that_hurts
Thanks for organising and running the predictions league again this year (and, of course, our forum) PC.

+1. All your efforts are appreciated

Ditto that!

Yes, thanks a lot PC, very much appreciated, your doing a great job.

[twitter.com] Not forwards,

Thanks to PC for organising and while it has been a frustrating season we will return stronger in the coming years. Time hit the beach and recharge 😎

yes well done plymtonchief have a good break now.

W£ all agree for a change! Well done and thankyou PC for all the work with the league and the forum generally.

+ 1

Thanks PC, I’m sure you mislaid some of my points along the way 🤣