Baxter to start Exeter's big game
Issued on behalf of Exeter Chiefs by the RFU
Exeter-born Richie Baxter has been given the opportunity to start Chiefs' biggest game in the club's history so far.
The No 8 returned from injury for the Championship semi-final against Bedford Blues and came off the bench to play for 30 minutes. The former captain will run out to start tonight's sell-out game in front of 10,000-strong crowd.
It means disappointment for Tom Johnson, who started at No 8 in Baxter's absence, but head coach Rob Baxter believes Johnson still has a very important role to play.
Coach Baxter said: "It's tough on TJ but he fully understands how important he is to us. I need to assess the best way of using our whole squad. Our back-row is performing exceptionally well and I'm confident they will all play a big part this Wednesday.
"It's not just about the starting 15, it's about the 22. Sometimes you spend 60 minutes setting the team up for what the bench can do. Budge, Simon, Danny, Clive and Macca made a real impact in the semi. They are not there in case you have an injury; they are there to potentially win the game for us."
He added: "It no secret to anyone who has watched Exeter for a while, they will know Richie can glue a side together. He gets through a hell of a lot of work and that's going to be crucial to us tonight. It going to be tough at times and I'm confident he will add something to the side. Richie gives us a solid foundation and that's what every team needs."
Exeter Chiefs v Bristol Rugby
Championship final
Wednesday, May 19, 2010 - KO 7.45pm
Sandy Park
15 Phil Dollman
14 Matt Jess
13 Nic Sestaret
12 Bryan Rennie
11 Mark Foster
10 Gareth Steenson
9 Haydn Thomas
1 Brett Sturgess
2 Neil Clark
3 Hoani Tui
4 Tom Hayes (capt)
5 James Hanks
6 Chad Slade
7 James Scaysbrook
8 Richie Baxter
16 Simon Alcott
17 Chris Budgen
18 David Gannon
19 Tom Johnson
20 Clive Stuart-Smith
21 Danny Gray
22 Paul McKenzie
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Championship Index 09/10
