It’s a West Country clash tonight as Gloucester host Exeter Chiefs in the last weekend of Premiership Cup action until February, as tonight’s game could determine who finishes top of the group.
Exeter and Gloucester currently sit first and second in Pool E, both on 10 points with an eight point gap back to Hartpury in third. However, Exeter have a massive 99 point advantage over the Cherries when it comes to point difference.
With only the top team of each pool guaranteed to go through to the quarter final, it is important that Gloucester beat Exeter in both games, if they only win one it is highly unlikely that The Cherries can overturn the gap in points difference.
With Gloucester in sixth and Exeter in ninth, both teams with already a sizeable gap to the top four, it’s unlikely either side will make the play offs so this tournament is a really good chance for either side to win silverware, as Gloucester did last season.
📊 STANDINGS: ROUND 6
— RugbyInsideLine (@RugbyInsideLine) October 27, 2024
The first block of Premiership rugby finishes with Bath, Leicester, Bristol and Saracens making up the top 4.
Newcastle and Exeter continue to struggle at the bottom of the table.
Who have you been most impressed by going into the international break? pic.twitter.com/Yaa5lZGOvr
The Cherries have opted for a more experienced XV this weekend with Charlie Atkinson making his return to club rugby after his England A appearance last weekend.
The front row is strong, consisting of academy graduates Seb Blake and Ciaran Knight, as well as Argentina international Mayco Vivas.
Player of the match Danny Eite starts on the second row alongside Freddie Clarke, and the powerhouse back row consists of Ruan Ackermann, Zach Mercer and captain Lewis Ludlow. With the three of them adding a wealth of experience to the side.
𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 ✨
— Gloucester Rugby 🍒 (@gloucesterrugby) November 21, 2024
Your Cherry & Whites for tomorrow night’s #PremRugbyCup fixture against @ExeterChiefs. 🏆
🍒 13 Academy graduates.
🅰️ England ‘A’ stars return.
💯 up for Jack Clement.
🎟️ https://t.co/1N4FFMYc3H#GLOvEXE | 🍒⚔️ pic.twitter.com/qv30jDaX3j
Caolan Englefield starts at scrum half with the returning Charlie Atkinson at fly half who will be looking to carry his performance for England A into tonights game.
Rory Taylor and Chris Harris start as centres with the strong winger duo of Ollie Thorley and Christian Wade, supported by Ioan Jones at full back.
The bench features star forwards such as Jack Singleton, Afo Fasogbon and Jack Clement who will be hoping to bring the boom when coming off the bench.
Exeter Chiefs have also opted for a more exerienced XV this weekend with a front row of Scott Sio, Marcus Street and Dan Frost in the middle.
𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠’𝗦 𝗨𝗣 💥
— Exeter Chiefs (@ExeterChiefs) November 21, 2024
Your Chiefs 23 taking on the Cherry & Whites tomorrow ⚔
▶ Wimbush is BACK.
9️⃣ Start for Stu
🗞️https://t.co/iKbY0YHyZs#GLOvEXE | #JointheJourney | RGB Recruitment pic.twitter.com/jzyxmPTCgf
Rusi Tuima is another player returning from England A on the second row alongside youngster Richard Capstick. Ethan Roots and captain Jacques Vermeulen on the flanks with Greg Fisilau at number eight, one of the try scorers against Australia A last weekend.
Pressure is on Stu Townsend who makes his first start of the season at scrum half with Will Haydon-Wood supporting him at fly half.
Will Rigg and Tamati Tua once again are the centre partnership this weekend with a pacy back three of Tommy Wyatt and Ben Hammersley with Josh Hodge at full back.
Tonight’s clash also sees Cillian Reardon take on his first game as Gloucester’s head of performance after doing an impressive job with Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship. Reardon takes over Dan Tobin who left to join the England set up in October.
It’s set up to be a great game tonight, with a lot at stake it’s looking like a tight game that could go either way.
