TEAM NEWS Vainikolo set for first Chiefs start
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- Created on Friday, 11 October 2013 13:39
- Last Updated on Friday, 11 October 2013 13:18
- Published on Thursday, 10 October 2013 13:39
Tongan international wing Fetu'u Vainikolo is set for his Exeter Chiefs full debut in Sunday’s Heineken Cup clash against Cardiff Blues at Sandy Park (1245).
Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has been forced to tweak his winning backline due to injuries sustained in the past week following the 29-12 Premiership win at Gloucester.
Former Blues' winger Tom James suffered an ankle injury in training and misses out so Vainikolo (pictured) comes in for his first competitive start while Jason Shoemark returns at centre in place of Sam Hill, who picked up a knock in the latter stages of the game at Kingsholm.
The promotion of Tongan international Vainikolo means his spot on the bench is filled by Fijian powerhouse Sireli Naqelevuki.
Exeter Chiefs starting XV 15 Phil Dollman 14 Fetu'u Vainikolo 13 Ian Whitten 12 Jason Shoemark 11 Matt Jess 10 Gareth Steenson 9 Dave Lewis 1 Brett Sturgess 2 Chris Whitehead 3 Hoani Tui 4 Dean Mumm (capt) 5 Damian Welch 6 Tom Johnson 7 Ben White 8 Dave Ewers
Ready on the bench 16 Jack Yeandle 17 Ben Moon 18 Carl Rimmer 19 Don Armand 20 Kai Horstmann 21 Haydn Thomas 22 Henry Slade 23 Sireli Naqelevuki
• Fetu'u full debut (image courtesy Exeter Chiefs/Pinnacle Photo Agency UK)
• read Rob Baxter's thoughts on Sunday's big cup clash at Sandy Park
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