Red Bulls to blow away Chiefs?

Tomorrow afternoon sees Newcastle Red Bulls make the long trip to Exeter to take on Exeter Chiefs in what is an opportunity for Red Bulls to register an away victory in The Prem.

Diamond's aren't forever

In a week that has been turbulent that has seen Steve Diamond leave Red Bulls they'll be pleased to be back to on the pitch matters.

For what it's worth, Dimes deserves a lot of credit for what he's done for professional rugby union in the north east while he's been here. He's worked under difficult circumstances no doubt and did create some joy for north east rugby fans last season.

I think when Red Bull came in there was a feeling that he might not be their person but personally I'd have liked to have seen him given a bit more of a crack rather than two games under the new ownership.

I guess ultimately Red Bull can come in and do what they want and they'll want their people in place to take things forward.

Kick loose, get punished

I watched Exter's game at Northampton last weekend and Exeter probably have one of the most exciting back three's in the league. Although ex-Falcons man Josh Hodge is suspended there's still the double threat of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Paul Brown-Bampoe on the wings. The Red Bull kicking game and kick chase last week at times was below par and if they kick loosely against this duo they will be punished.

The Exeter pack on paper looks strong but especially at scrum time last week they were vulnerable.

Battle of the back row's

I do like to talk about the back row's quite a bit and have a lot of time for Neild, Gordon and Mafi as a trio. The Exter back row isn't bad either, Fisilau, Roots and Vintcent the energetic Italian international are just as uncompromising. Watching these six go at each other is going to be fun!

Chiefs blow hot and cold

Rob Baxter mentioned in his in game interview last week that his side have the tendency to blow hot and cold in games. Last week was no different, they were dead and buried at half time but came back and arguably deserved a victory in the end. I thought Stephen Varney ran the game well from scrum half and kicked well too. In Henry Slade, you have a seasoned international who is the brains in the Exeter side.

First starts for Red Bulls

Liam Williams and Freddie Clarke make their first starts for Red Bulls this weekend. Having Williams and his experience will help this Red Bull side, not just on game day but during the week too. There's a lot that up and coming youngsters can learn from him.

New centre pairing

With Sammy Arnold and Max Clark ruled out through injury there's a chance for Ethan Grayson and Connor Doherty to form a new centre partnership and show the powers that be at Red Bull what they're capable off. A lot of players even at this early stage are playing for contracts for next season so any chance anyone gets to impress they have to take it. That's a good and a bad thing. Do players feel the pressure of that? Does it keep them motivated regardless?

Set piece is key

As I said last week the scrums did improve in the second half but there will be a big focus on the set piece if Red Bulls are to get anything from this game. If they can get parity in scrums and lineouts to give field position and platform there's something to be got from the visit to Sandy Park.

Win ugly

Although conditions aren't going to be as bad at Sandy Park as up here in the north east, I don't think this is going to be a cracker by any stretch. Unless Red Bulls kick loose and Exeter run riot. Keeping it tight and keeping it simple could be the key to an away victory here. If Red Bulls can get into Exeter and shoot their confidence then they could win, but if the game plan goes wrong and kicks are loose with a lacklustre chase then it could be a long afternoon in Devon.