Scott Sio set to start for Exeter Chiefs against Gloucester
Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter
©Exeter Chiefs
Prop Scott Sio will make his first appearance of the season for Exeter Chiefs when they host Gloucester Rugby this Saturday at Sandy Park in Round 5 of the Gallagher Premiership.
Sio has missed the opening rounds due to a knee issue but returns just a week after the Chiefs secured a confident 38-0 win over Harlequins.
Director of rugby Rob Baxter praised the team’s attitude in the last outing, saying that their mindset had allowed them to dominate territory and minimise concessions.
With Sio returning to the starting front row alongside Joseph Dweba and Josh Iosefa-Scott, Exeter look to cement their strong early-season form. His inclusion comes amid uncertainty around loosehead prop Will Goodrick-Clarke, who is being monitored for an AC-joint tear.
In the pack, captain Dafydd Jenkins will lead from the second row alongside Rusi Tuima while Tom Hooper, Ethan Roots and Greg Fisilau form the back-row.
The backs remain unchanged, featuring stand-outs such as half-backs Stephen Varney and Harvey Skinner, and centres Henry Slade and Len Ikitau. Winger Olly Woodburn, on the wing after a recent return from injury, completes the starting XV.
“Gloucester will probably be the most frustrated team in the league at the moment having been involved in some real seesaw games," said Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter.
"They’re probably looking to try to finish this block with a win, so they’re going to be hugely motivated to come here and play very well.
“It’s up to us to get our emotions and attitude right for the game. That will be the first and foremost thing in our mind.”
Exeter XV: 1 Scott Sio, 2 Joseph Dweba, 3 Josh Iosefa-Scott, 4 Dafydd Jenkins (c), 5 Rusi Tuima, 6 Tom Hooper, 7 Ethan Roots, 8 Greg Fisilau, 9 Stephen Varney, 10 Harvey Skinner, 11 Olly Woodburn, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Henry Slade, 14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 15 Josh Hodge
Reserves: 16 Jack Yeandle, 17 Ethan Burger, 18 Bachuki Tchumbadze, 19 Andrea Zambonin, 20 Kane James, 21 Charlie Chapman, 22 Will Haydon-Wood, 23 Ben Hammersley
