Match Preview

Halfway through the season, and still unbeatable. The boys in green and white have been exceptional so far this year and are yet to put a foot wrong.

A win over Leeds Beckett last week continued the season’s trend on the Crumb. Early pressure from the visitors in the first half meant the scores were tight at the break, but second-half tries from Vajner, Driscoll and Wimbush secured the 16th win in a row.

To secure victory number 17, we face Hartpury at the Alpas, in another chapter of a great rivalry. Having experienced an up and down season so far this year, they are found in mid-table. However, we know how dangerous they can be, nearly completing an amazing comeback against Exeter on the opening day.

Known as the Kings of Consistency, Exeter Uni has never finished outside the top 2 in BUCS Super Rugby, and there is one man who defines that. Jared Williams.

Making his debut in 2021, he has barely missed a game since. This includes 2 victorious finals, and he is looking to become one the first to win 3.

With this game marking his 50th cap, he is certainly one of the more experienced heads in the squad, but he says he doesn’t feel the need to nurture the next generation.

“All the younger boys that have come in and been really good at getting in a doing their job well. Most of the new boys have taken a gap year or two and have experience in a pro environment and so know what is expected of them on the training ground and the pitch.”
Having seen plenty of big names come in and out the doors, Williams knows the height an Exeter Uni side can reach, with this side “still just looking for a complete performance”.

“We don’t feel like we’ve put a full 80 minutes together in the league yet”, hinting at even more to come from a so-far invincible side.

TEAM NEWS
With the set piece functioning well last week Elliot hasn’t made any changes in the pack, with Williams becoming just the 2nd Exeter Uni player to achieve 50 caps.

In the backs, Kofi Barton-Byfield starts for the first time since Round 1 as a result of an injury to Chester Ribbons who misses his first game of the year. Wimbush moves into the centres.

Plenty of familiar names on the bench, with the addition of Finn Worley-Brady who will prepare to make is BUCS Super Rugby debut. The Chiefs’ academy prospect can finally make his return from injury.