Exeter v Scarlets: Heineken Cup match preview
Exeter Chiefs hope to repeat their first ever Heineken Cup victory as they welcome the Scarlets to Sandy Park.
Last Updated: 15/12/12 9:20am
The Scarlets believe they can be successful in the away outing, with plans to avenge their 22-16 loss at Parc Y Scarlets.
It's another critical clash for the Chiefs, who follow this weekend with a trip to unbeaten pool leaders Clermont Auvergne before hosting defending champions Leinster.
The Chiefs, desperate to progress in the competition, make a few changes to their starting XV. Into the fold are Aly Muldowney, James Hanks and Dean Mumm. Ian Whitten, Jack Nowell and Phil Dollman are also given the nod.
Also featuring will be England international Tom Johnson, who is set to make his 150th appearance for the club.
Scarlets will need to find the form that had seen them win five straight in competitive matches to re-establish any hopes of progressing.
The Scarlets welcome back Welsh international George North, centre Jonathan Davies captains his side once more and Ken Owens starts at hooker. South African signing George Earle moves to the back row for the injured Aaron Shingler.
Exeter: 15 Phil Dollman, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Sireli Naqelevuki, 12 Ian Whitten, 11 Gonzalo Camacho, 10 Gareth Steenson, 9 Haydn Thomas, 8 Tom Johnson, 7 James Scaysbrook (capt), 6 Dean Mumm, 5 James Hanks, 4 Aly Muldowney, 3 Hoani Tui, 2 Simon Alcott, 1 Brett Sturgess.
Replacements: 16 Neil Clark, 17 Ben Moon, 18 Carl Rimmer, 19 Damian Welch, 20 Ben White, 21 Kevin Barrett, 22 Ignacio Mieres, 23 Luke Arscott.
Scarlets 15 Liam Williams, 14 George North, 13 Jonathan Davies (capt), 12 Scott Williams, 11 Gareth Maule, 10 Aled Thomas, 9 Aled Davies, 8 Kieran Murphy, 7 Johnathan Edwards, 6 George Earle, 5 Richard Kelly, 4 Sione Timani, 3 Samson Lee, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Shaun Hopkins.
Replacements: 16 Matthew Rees, 17 Rhodri Jones, 18 Deacon Manu, 19 Johan Synman, 20 Tomás Vallejos, 21 Tavis Knoyle, 22 Dan Newton, 23 Kristian Phillips.
What they said...
Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter
"It's a slightly different environment to what they are used to. Normally we haven't played a team for a few months and this is about locking horns with guys they have just played against.
"It's something that good players can adapt to. The Heineken Cup is a learning experience for us and this is just a different one."
Scarlets head coach Simon Easterby
"It is vital we get back momentum. We're obviously frustrated and disappointed with our three results in the Heineken Cup.
"The opportunity now rests with us to turn it around with a big result this weekend. We've been good on the road this year and it's certainly not beyond us to get a result there."
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