Leeds v Exeter, Aviva Premiership, April 3
Chiefs out to give Leeds the chop
ESPNscrum Staff
April 1, 2011
Leeds captain Marco Wentzel, Leeds v Bucuresti, Amlin Challenge Cup, Headingley, Leeds, England, January 23, 2011
Marco Wentzel returns to skipper Leeds © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Leeds continue their search for a miracle this weekend against Exeter, with the Chiefs out to wash away the memories of last weekend's loss to London Irish.

Neil Back's Leeds are currently six points behind Newcastle at the foot of the table and have also played a game more than the Falcons, making their trek to survival a particularly steep one.

The Yorkshire club slipped to a narrow 15-12 loss against Sale last time out, while Exeter were taught a lesson by the Exiles at the Madejski.

Leeds - Player to Watch: Marco Wentzel returns to skipper the side from the second-row, his influence will need to be felt both as a leader and at the lineout.

Leeds - Team News: Wentzel replaces Sean Hohneck while on the bench Phil Nilsen replaces the injured Scott Freer.

Exeter - Player to Watch: Nemani Nadolo will be hard to miss and the giant Fijian winger will hope to make a big impact.

Exeter - Team News: Chad Slade and James Phillips come into the pack in place of James Hanks and Tom Johnson while Nadolo is joined by Junior Poluleuligaga and Bryan Rennie in the backs.

Key Battle: The Leeds lineout has been a pillar of strength this season and Exeter will want to put the pressure on and deny them clean ball.

Trivia: Exeter have only won once on the road since October, beating Newcastle at Kingston Park in February.

Stats: Leeds lock Kearnan Myall has stolen seven lineouts this season, putting him third for the season behind Northampton's Christian Day and Newcastle's James Hudson.

Quote Unquote:

"Over a quarter of our squad is currently unavailable through injury which puts pressure on our resources. However, that bit of adversity has brought us together and we looking forward to the challenge." - Leeds boss Neil Back rues the season's toll

"Anyone can do it when you're in trouble or when you're struggling, but it's the true top professionals who can produce it week in, week out when there's not such a threat behind them." - Chiefs assistant coach Ali Hepher discusses intensity.

Fantasy: Gareth Steenson has been a reliable source of points for the Chiefs this season, is he in your ESPNscrum Fantasy Rugby Game team?

Prediction: Exeter have not missed out on many chances to beat the sides around them this season and should make no mistake on this occasion.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.