Exeter come into their huge home tie against Durham aware that the stakes could not be higher. Defeat for Exeter would end any realistic hopes of a third consecutive BUCS Super Rugby league title, whilst victory could potentially narrow the gap between themselves and their visitors to just 3 points with 6 rounds of the regular season remaining following the conclusion of this afternoon's game.

Durham were victorious the last time these two sides met, in a 38-27 victory that showcased why they are currently top of the league after 11 games. Exeter however, will know that there are improvements to be made on that performance and will be hoping that they can repeat last week's first-half display against Hartpury over a full 80 minutes to keep Durham at bay.

Both sides come into this game off the back of bonus-point home wins against 6th and 7th placed Hartpury and Swansea respectively. Durham's 36-7 victory over Swansea secured their 10th win of the season, with Loughborough's 31-24 victory the only time Durham have tasted defeat so far this season. Securing victory therefore, will be no easy task for Keith Fleming's men, with the result of today's match going a long way to determining the trajectory Exeter's season will take after Christmas, with difficult trips away to Wales still to come.

With the match being played on the Rubber Crumb, both teams will hope that the predicted rain doesn't materialise so as to be able to play an entertaining brand of fast-paced rugby.

Exeter make two changes to their starting XV as Kieran Kelly returns to action, replacing Francesco Scardamaglia, whilst at hooker Luke Bury comes in for his first appearance of the season. On the bench, hooker Chris Moore, second-row Alex Roper, flanker Cameron Bullard and scrum-half Pietro Di Chio come into the matchday squad, looking to make an impact when called upon from the replacements bench.

Exeter University Side vs Durham University:

Starting XV:
15. Charlie Davies, 14. Arthur Relton, 13. Kieran Kelly, 12. Joe Elderkin, 11. Luke Mehson, 10. Harry Bazalgette, 9. Sam Maunder, 8. Paul Schroter (Capt), 7. Charlie Fethney, 6. Richard Capstick, 5. Lasha Jaiani, 4. Jamie Yates, 3. Matt Johnson, 2. Luke Bury, 1. Will Cutbill

Replacements:
16. Chris Moore, 17. George Strainge, 18. Fin Richardson, 19. Alex Roper, 20. Cameron Bullard, 21. Pietro Di Chio, 22. Carl Morgan, 23. Toby Williams.

Durham University Side vs Exeter University:

Starting XV:
15. Charlie Spawforth, 14. Matt Reaney, 13. Sol Hyde, 12. Charlie Wilson, 11. Jack Hedley, 10. Will Edwards, 9. Jacob Collin, 8. Ben Fowles (Capt), 7. Fitz Harding, 6. Josh Basham, 5. Marijn Huis, 4. Henry Paremain, 3. Griffri Whiston, 2. Luke Chadwick, 1. Jack Conteh

Replacements:
16. Fred Davies, 17. Scott Bowerman, 18. Clarkson McLeod, 19. Ben Osuntokun, 20. Jack Hill, 21. Alex Skinner, 22. Rory Stewart Cox, 23. Nicholas Jonas

Venue: Rubber Crumb, University Sports Park, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QN
Kick-Off: 14:00