Bath is finally back in action for Premiership matches after the Autumn Nation Series concluding as well as the Premiership Cup. Their first matchup since the break is against Exeter Chiefs who've been struggling this season thus far as they sit ninth in the table with five points. While Exeter are struggling, Bath shouldn't take them lightly, but some more points should help a lot regardless.
Key Players For Exeter
Jack Yeandle-Hooker
Will Goodrick-Clarke-Prop
Josh Iosefa-Scott-Prop
Scott Sio-Prop
Jack Dunne-Lock
Dafydd Jenkins-Lock
Franco Molina-Lock
Rus Tuima-Lock
Richard Capstick-Back Row
Ethan Roots-Back Row
Christ Tshiunza-Back Row
Jacques Vermuelen-Back Row
Ross Vintcent-Back Row
Sam Maunder-Scrumhalf
Stu Townsend-Scrumhalf
Will Haydon-Wood-Flyhalf
Harvey Skinner-Flyhalf
Joe Hawkins-Center
Henry Slade-Center
Tamati Tua-Center
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso-Wing
Olly Woodburn-Wing
Josh Hodge-Wing
Stop Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Last season, Feyi-Waboso took the league by storm and was arguably the best winger in the Premiership. With his explosive speed, it is hard to defend him, but with one of the best defenses in the Premiership, Bath will have to do everything they can to stop him or at least limit the damage he causes. Exeter's attack centers around what Feyi-Waboso brings to the table and taking care of him will be crucial.
Don't Let Henry Slade Get Going
While Feyi-Waboso is the X-Factor, Slade is an experienced back who can change the game at a whim. He's not necessarily the one calling the plays, but he can get an attack going and it's hard to stop. There is a reason why he's gotten so many call ups to the England national team. With his experience, Chiefs have a chance to get their attack going and Slade is a huge reason behind it.
Kick The Ball Away
There isn't too much fire power on Exeter's attack outside of the ones already mentioned, but that being said, even with players such as Olly Woodburn or Harvey Skinner, Bath still have to be careful. Even Josh Hodge has been sensational so far this season. As that saying goes: "Give them an inch and they'll take a mile" and that goes for any rugby side. So, kick the ball away a lot from them. Chiefs are not good at retrieving and then setting up a counter, so Bath will need to take advantage of that.
Dominate The Scrum
This is a pretty basic game plan here as Bath has an excellent scrum. The same saying goes about inches and miles here too, but Exeter's scrum pails in comparison to Bath's. Scott Sio is an excellent prop, but he doesn't compare to the likes of Beno Obano, Will Stuart, or even Thomas du Toit. So Bath needs to execute their strength and dig into the trenches to make things difficult and tiring for Chiefs.
Bath Just Needs To Show What They're Made Of
Honestly, there's a feeling that some people think Bath isn't actually as good as their form thus far this season suggests, especially after the loss to Bristol. However, let's be real, Bath should absolutely annihilate Exeter, on paper, so why not show that on the pitch as well!? Chiefs are in a transition period right now, so this is the perfect time to capitalize.
Bath Starting XV vs Exeter
1 Thomas du Toit
2 Tom Dunn
3 Will Stuart
4 Quinn Roux
5 Charlie Ewels
6 Ted Hill
7 Guy Pepper
8 Miles Reid
9 Ben Spencer
10 Finn Russell
11 Will Muir
12 Will Butt
13 Ollie Lawrence
14 Joe Cokanasiga
15 Tom de Glanville
Replacements
16 Niall Annett
17 Francois van Wyk
18 Kieran Verden
19 Ross Molony
20 Josh Bayliss
21 Louis Schreuder
22 Cameron Redpath
23 Alfie Barbeary
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