Braves side to face Harlequins

By Mark Stevens
3/10/16

Exeter Braves return to Aviva A League action this evening when they travel to the Twickenham Stoop to face Harlequins (7:30pm).

Having kicked off the defence of their title with defeat at Saracens last time out, Braves coach Ricky Pellow is hoping his side can quickly rediscover their winning formula in the nation's capital.

"Obviously we were bitterly disappointed to lose away at Saracens in our first game," he said. "That said, we now have a great opportunity to put things right with a big performance up at Harlequins on Monday night.

"Going up to Harlequins you always know it's going to be a tough test and that they have quality players within their side. However, we've picked another strong squad for the game and we're looking for the guys to go out there, front up and really put in a big display."

Young scrum-half Jack Maunder skippers an experienced Braves line-up, which includes in the front-row Carl Rimmer, Elvis Taione and Moray Low.

Behind, Ollie Atkins packs down in the second row alongside Sam Skinner, while England international Tom Johnson is one third of a quality back-row that also includes Ben White and Sam Simmonds.

Maunder and Hooley are the half-back pairing out back, while Tom Hendrickson and Max Bodilly provide the craft in midfield. Completing the team is the back three of James Short, Harrison Cully and Joe Simmonds.

Pellow added: "After the Saracens result it's important that we show some kind of response. There were things we did in that game that were very encouraging, but there were also one of two things that were not so great.

"Looking at the squad, though, it's a very strong mix of players and as coaches we want them all to go out there, give it their all, and really stake a strong claim to be included this weekend."

For those supporters unable to attend tonight's game, you can follow the action live on the Exeter Chiefs official Twitter and Facebook feeds.

BRAVES SIDE TO FACE HARLEQUINS

15 Joe Simmonds
14 Harrison Cully
13 Max Bodilly
12 Tom Hendrickson
11 James Short
10 Will Hooley
9 Jack Maunder (capt)
1 Carl Rimmer
2 Elvis Taione
3 Moray Low
4 Ollie Atkins
5 Sam Skinner
6 Tom Johnson
7 Ben White
8 Sam Simmonds

16 Shaun Malton
17 Jack Owlett
18 Will Norton
19 Sean Lonsdale
20 Sam Daly
21 Joe Snow
22 Ted Landry
23 Harry Strong