Exeter Chiefs Season Preview
Head Coach: Rob Baxter
Captain: Dean Mumm
Position 2013/2014: 8th
Predicted Position 2014/2015: 10th
I see this being a very difficult season for the Chiefs. Rob Baxter brought silverware last season when Exeter beat Northampton Saints in the LV Cup, and has done an exceptional job at Sandy Park; but this will be their most difficult season to date.
Thomas “The Tank” Waldrom has come in to the squad and will provide much needed beef to the back row. Ryan Caldwell and Moray Louw have also been added to the forwards division and both should see plenty of game time.
Exeter will show faith in their young stars this season, and where they end up this season will depend on the ability of: Henry Slade, Jack Nowell, Jack Yeandle and Dave Ewers to handle the expectation, after a superb season in 2013/2014.
The Chiefs have lost a superb duo in Jason Shoemark and Luke Arscott to Hawke’s Bay and Bath respectively. Shoemark was the go to guy in the midfield and his ability to punch holes in opposition defences will not be easily replicated.
Luke Arscott will be a bigger loss than people expect. Chrysander Botha has been signed to try and fill the void, but I think Arscott is a very shrewd signing by Bath and the Sandy Park faithful will miss his dependability in defence and his exquisite finishing ability.
Dean Mumm will again captain the side and will be ably assisted in the pack by Jack Yeandle at Hooker, and the ever reliable Tom Johnson. Gareth Steenson is also an experienced player at out half, and should help ease Henry Slade into the starting line up when Slade plays at inside centre.
Players In:
Moray Low (Prop) from Glasgow Warriors
Tomas Francis (Prop) from London Scottish
Elvis Taoine (Hooker) from Jersey
Ryan Caldwell (Second Row) from Bath Rugby
Mitch Lees (Second Row/Back Row) from London Welsh
Thomas Waldrom (Back Row) from Leicester Tigers
Adam Hughes (Centre/Wing) from Bristol Rugby
Chrysander Botha (Full Back) Lions
Players Out:
Hoani Tui (Prop) to Lyon
Craig Mitchell (Prop) to Cardiff Blues
Lloyd Fairbrother (Prop) to Newport Gwent Dragons
Tom Cowan-Dickie (Hooker) to Plymouth Albion
Romana Graham (Second Row) to La Rochelle
James Phillips (Second Row/Back Row) to London Scottish
Jason Shoemark (Centre) to Hawke’s Bay Magpies
Luke Arscott (Full Back) to Bath Rugby
Chris Whitehead Retired
James Hanks Retired
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