Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Premiership Rugby Cup match.
These two clubs will meet in the cup before they face off in the Premiership. Exeter Chiefs have yet to win a game in the league but are leading their group in this, the second most prestigious English tournament. Will they maintain their leadership?
Gloucester
Victories over Championship sides have been harder for Gloucester than for their opponents. Their largest margin was an 8-point win against Cornish Pirates (36:28). They only managed a five-point advantage over Hartpury University (31:26). It's no secret that in the Premiership Rugby Cup, top division teams field different players, even without many first-team stars being away on international duty. Gloucester's reserves are markedly different from their starting lineup. The case of Jono Benz-Salomon is particularly interesting. Before the start of the Premiership Cup, the Spanish prop played for Hartpury, and then in the first cup round, he faced his former club as part of Gloucester.
Exeter Chiefs
Exeter Chiefs showed greater commitment to playing in England's second-tier competition, thoroughly defeating their lower-level rivals. They demolished Cornish Pirates away (68:7) and Hartpury University at home (54:3). In the first two cup rounds, Exeter's top scorer was Josh Hodge. The 24-year-old full-back scored four tries and kicked 16 conversions, racking up a total of 52 points. He also features in the starting lineup for their Premiership matches.
Gloucester vs Exeter Chiefs Prediction
If Exeter Chiefs field a lineup close to their best again, while Gloucester continue to experiment, the visitors will likely have the upper hand. Despite their poor start in the Premiership, the last match between the two ended in favour of Exeter Chiefs (38:17), also played in Gloucestershire.
