A week is a long time in sport. For EURFC, the hope is that it has been long enough to learn from the lessons of last week’s painful defeat to Loughborough University.

With a strong squad named, despite players being away with Exeter Chiefs, EURFC were unable to capitalise on their early territory and possession, as the hosts pulled away to a 22-0 lead. Despite a second-half comeback, it wasn’t enough to take anything from the game, with Loughborough jumping Exeter to second in the table following the match.

Looking back at the match, prop Fin Richardson admitted that there had “obviously been a few learns,” following on from the fixture.
“There was still lots of good stuff, but we’ve got to get better at finishing, especially in the green zone and getting close to their line,” he acknowledged.

A focus on accuracy has been a key part of training leading up to today’s clash with Cardiff, with Richardson hoping that that focus will pay dividends in the Welsh capital.

“Hopefully, a couple of little tweaks will make a real difference coming into this one. I’d expect to see a lot of good stuff.”

This evening’s fixture marks the second time this season that both sides have met, with Exeter securing a 37-8 victory at Topsham back in Round 3.

Despite sitting in 9th place, Cardiff’s current league position is perhaps unflattering, especially when looking at their results this season, and particularly at home.

Last Wednesday, they pushed current league leaders Durham all the way, as the table-toppers edged to a 20-17 victory, whilst fourth placed Cardiff Met were perhaps fortunate to also sneak a three-point victory in the first Welsh Capital Derby of the season back in Round 2.

A victory over Hartpury at home as well, only serves to highlight the challenge of facing Cardiff on their home turf this season, with Richardson expecting a battle right until the end.

“Make no mistake, they will bring their absolute A-game, so we’ll give them the respect they deserve. They are one of those teams who keep fighting and keep coming back at you, so we need to give it everything.”

Exeter have been buoyed this week, by the return of a number of players who have gained valuable experience for Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership Cup over the last few weeks.

In all, there are eight changes to the starting XV, with a potential BUCS Super Rugby debut on the bench.

In the pack, hooker Oli Burrows returns, with Luke Bury named on the bench, whilst second-row Dafydd Jenkins and number 8 Archie Hosking will look to bring additional physicality to the side.

Last Wednesday’s Player of the Match Tom Addison shifts to blindside flanker in place of Cameron Bullard, whilst Richardson comes into the starting XV for Harvey Dunn, as he makes his long awaited first BUCS Super Rugby start of the season, having injured his hand against Plymouth Albion in pre-season.

“I’m over the moon to be back. It’s been a long time out; near enough ten weeks. I’m really looking forward to being back and pleased to have had my efforts rewarded with a starting position,” he beamed.

In the backline, there are several other alterations from the clash with Loughborough. Top try scorer Arthur Relton returns from Chiefs in place of Eddie Bullock, whilst there is a new look centre combination of Dan John and Tom Eelman, the latter making his first BUCS Super Rugby start.

The final change to the starting XV, sees flyhalf Alec Lloyd-Seed start in place of Josh Barton, following a string of impressive performances in both the South West Premier and off the bench in BUCS Super Rugby.

Amongst the replacements, there could also be a BUCS Super Rugby debut for centre Archie Hill, with Tom Hitchcock ruled out and Charlie McCaig away at an England U20s camp.

With the top four currently separated by just five points, this evening's clash is crucial for EURFC, as they look to keep pace at the top of the tree.

This evening’s match kicks off at 6pm, with live match updates on the EURFC Twitter account throughout.