Feyi-Waboso returns from hamstring injury to boost edgy Exeter against Harlequins

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso returns to Exeter Chiefs’ starting line-up for their Gallagher Premiership round-five clash with Harlequins at Sandy Park on Saturday, 31 October, after recovering from a hamstring injury. The England winger’s comeback is a significant lift for a Chiefs side sitting in the bottom two alongside their opponents.

Director of rugby Rob Baxter was candid about the mood at the club ahead of the Halloween fixture. “I think it’s a big challenge for us this weekend,” he said. “Harlequins will arrive feeling good about themselves after a comprehensive win over Saracens last week where they played very well. We’re probably a bit edgy in that we’re looking at the league table thinking we need some points.”

Baxter added that the mental approach of both sides would be the defining factor. “We’re both good sides with good players and the intent to win games. My challenge is to get ours right by the time we kick off.”

The return of Feyi-Waboso is offset by the absence of captain Dafydd Jenkins and flanker Tom Hooper, both of whom picked up knocks in last weekend’s defeat to Bristol Bears. Jack Yeandle steps up to captain the side in Jenkins’ absence, with the front row otherwise unchanged — props Nika Abuladze and Josh Iosefa-Scott flanking Yeandle at hooker.

Hooper’s absence opens the door for lock Lewis Pearson, who makes his first appearance since suffering a pectoral injury in the Cup match against Bristol Bears in September. He partners Harry Wilson in the second row, while Ethan Roots, Ross Vintcent and Greg Fisilau continue at the back of the scrum.

Stephen Varney reclaims the scrum-half berth from last week, with Harvey Skinner at fly-half and the trusted midfield pairing of Will Butt and Henry Slade retained. Feyi-Waboso lines up on the right wing, with Olly Woodburn shifting to the left and Will Haydon-Wood coming in at full-back.

Exeter Chiefs vs Harlequins kicks off at 3pm at Sandy Park.

Exeter Chiefs XV: 15 Will Haydon-Wood, 14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Will Butt, 11 Olly Woodburn, 10 Harvey Skinner, 9 Stephen Varney, 1 Nika Abuladze, 2 Jack Yeandle (c), 3 Josh Iosefa-Scott, 4 Lewis Pearson, 5 Harry Wilson, 6 Ethan Roots, 7 Ross Vintcent, 8 Greg Fisilau.

Replacements: 16 Max Norey, 17 Will Goodrick-Clarke, 18 Bachuki Tchumbadze, 19 Joe Bailey, 20 Kane James, 21 Sam Wolstenholme, 22 Ben Hammersley, 23 Zack Wimbush.