Can Red Bulls down Chiefs?

Friday night sees the first Gallagher Prem fixture at Kingston Park since Red Bulls beat Gloucester 25-19 on 2nd January. That's far too long without a home Gallagher Prem fixture!

Chiefs will be physical

Exeter traditionally are a physical side and I expect tomorrow night to be no different, they beat Sale at home 26-14 last week and sit fourth in the Gallagher Prem. Rob Baxter has done a real job turning things round after a disappointing season last season.

On paper this Exeter side doesn't look as strong. There's an edge to them though, Scott Sio, Jack Yeandle and Jimmy Roots form an experienced front row. The second row sees Rusi Tuima line up against his new club alongside Italian international Andrea Zambonin. The Chiefs back row is filled with talent with Tom Hooper, Ross Vintcent and Greg Fisilau combining. Without doubt that is a pack that Red Bulls will have to be at their best to get the edge.

The backs see the rejuvenated Stephen Varney following his summer move combine with Harvey Skinner at halfback. Will Rigg and England under 20 man, Nick Lilley form a partnership. The back three doesn't lack pace with Campbell Ridl, Paul Brown-Bampoe and Olly Woodburn combining. Needless to say if Red Bulls kick poorly they will be punished.

The Chiefs bench is lacking experience, Julian Heaven, Ethan Burger and Bachuki Tchumbadze cover the front row. Lewis Pearson and Finn Worley Brady cover the back five. The backs are covered by Tom Cairns, ex-Newcastle man Will Haydon-Wood and Dan John.

Henry Slade, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Josh Hodge, Ethan Roots or Dafydd Jenkins are amongst the notable absentees for Exeter, this is a team that Red Bulls can get at!

Red Bulls makes changes and continue to back youth

There's three changes for Red Bulls this week, one in the pack and two in the backs. The unavailable list is only down to fifteen players! The front row stays the same with Adam Brocklebank, George McGuigan and Richard Palframan combining. There's a return for Oscar Usher who starts alongside Adam Scott in the second row. The back row remains the same which means more game time at blindside for Rueben Parsons, Tom Christie is at openside and Ollie Leatherbarrow is at number eight.

Simon Benitez Cruz and Brett Connon continue at halfback. There's a vote of confidence in Rhys Beeckmans who starts at inside centre alongside Alex Hearle. Christian Wade returns on the wing alongside Harrison Obatoyinbo and Elliott Obatoyinbo.

The bench will look to have the same impact as last week, arguably the bench had the biggest impact of the season last weekend. Ollie Fletcher, Connor Hancock and Murray McCallum cover the front row. There's experience to come on in the back five with Freddie Clarke who played really well on his return from injury last week and the reliable Tom Gordon. James Elliott, new loan signing Ben Healy and Oli Spencer cover the backs. The likes of McCallum, Clarke, Gordon and Healy can have a big impact on the game and Red Bulls looks to have the edge on the bench.

Jones brings freedom

Red Bulls' attack looked at its most dangerous last weekend, whenever Harrison Obatoyinbo got the ball he looked threatening. The Red Bulls attack looked to have the shackles off last weekend and if that continues into this week it could be a belter, Stephen Jones is a quality coach and his dna is starting to show. The platform for the backs was set up by a reliable set piece that in general gave good quality ball. Given there must be a fair bit of player movement going on in the background, the performance at Northampton was a credit to Jones and the players.

Where will the game be won?

Quite simply, up front. If the Red Bulls set piece can go as well as last week then they showed enough in the backs to show they can cause problems. But the starting Exeter eight, despite players missing, still looks formidable. It will be a tough task but a task that Red Bulls will relish!