Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Premiership Rugby Cup match.
If Exeter Chiefs don't secure a win today, then what else can the club do? Should they sack director Rob Baxter, who has been in Devon since 2009, or at least head coach Ali Hepher? But the Chiefs' opponents are no simple task.
Cornish Pirates
Cornish Pirates finished second in last season's Championship, but after five rounds this year, they are sitting 11th with just one victory. They have only managed a win against Nottingham in the first round (24:18) but have lost every match since. The Pirates even contrived to lose to Cambridge, who finished last in the table last season with a point difference of (-414).
Exeter Chiefs
The Chiefs are also not quite themselves. It seemed plausible they might drop all their matches in the first four rounds, particularly facing three teams higher in last season's table. But losing to a struggling Newcastle Falcons—that's excessive. The Chiefs scarcely managed a losing bonus point (18:24), which saved them from dropping to last place. A decisive defeat by Harlequins comes as no surprise.
Cornish Pirates vs Exeter Chiefs Prediction
In the only match between these clubs, Exeter Chiefs emerged victorious, precisely in the last Premiership Cup (38:13). Such confidence isn't present now, especially as they play away. If they do win, it won't be by a margin greater than last time.
