Braves side to face Saracens

By Mark Stevens
17/9/2016

Exeter Braves will kick-off the defence of their Aviva A League title when they tackle Saracens Storm at Allianz Park today (1:30pm).

Having had their opening fixture against Bath postponed last Monday after their opponents were unable to raise a side, last season’s champions will be looking to start with a bang in the nation’s capital.

With Ricky Pellow again at the helm, the Braves have named a strong squad for their seasonal opener, which includes a wealth of names with top flight and international experience.

Up front, Kai Horstmann, Tom Johnson and Ben White offer a vastly experienced back-row trio, while the front-row is equally impressive with internationals Elvis Taione and Moray Low packing down alongside Carl Rimmer.

Young scrum-half Jack Maunder has been handed the captaincy and will head up a back division, which includes the likes of Will Hooley, Matt Jess and Max Bodilly.

Speaking ahead of the game, coach Pellow said: “Sunday’s game is a big opportunity for a lot of the guys to not only get good game time under their belts, but at the same time stake a claim for a first team place.

“Last season showed the strength of our whole squad, including the A League, and we’re determined to pick up from where we left off last season. Some of our performances in the competition were outstanding and that has set a very high benchmark for this year.

“That said, we know Saracens - especially at their place - will be very strong, so it’s up to our guys to front up from minute one and show what they are all about.”

Supporters unable to attend Sunday’s game, can follow the action via the Exeter Chiefs official Facebook, Instagram and Twitter sites.

BRAVES SIDE TO FACE SARACENS STORM

15 Ted Landry
14 Matt Jess
13 Pete Laverick
12 Tom Hendrickson
11 Max Bodilly
10 Will Hooley
9 Jack Maunder (capt)
1 Carl Rimmer
2 Elvis Taione
3 Moray Low
4 Sean Lonsdale
5 Sam Skinner
6 Tom Johnson
7 Ben White
8 Kai Horstmann

16 Shaun Malton
17 Marcus Street
18 Elliott Roofe
19 Dan Swain
20 Tom Lawday
21 Haydn Thomas
22 Richard Bright
23 Mike Hains