Fisilau returns at No.8 as Exeter head to Bath for first-ever away Premiership semi-final

Greg Fisilau is back in the Exeter Chiefs starting XV for Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership semi-final at Bath’s The Rec, slotting into the No.8 role vacated by Ethan Roots, who is completing return-to-play protocol after a head knock sustained against Saracens.

Aside from Fisilau’s inclusion, Exeter are otherwise unchanged from the side that beat Saracens 32-12 last weekend — the result that secured them what director of rugby Rob Baxter describes as a “unique experience”: the club’s first-ever away semi-final in the Premiership era. Ross Vintcent replaces Kanes James on the bench as the only other alteration to the matchday 23.

“We looked resilient and strong last weekend against Saracens, so that is good prep for Bath because it’s going to be even more emotionally-charged this weekend,” Baxter said. “This will be a unique experience even for me because we’ve been in plenty of Prem semi-finals, but never away from home.”

Baxter was candid about the scale of the task facing his side against the reigning champions. “Bath are a quality side. They’re not second in the table and got to the Investec Champions Cup knockouts for no reason. We’ve got our work cut out for us,” he said, while adding that Exeter’s away form against elite opposition gives him cause for optimism. “Turning up away from home as underdogs has brought out the best in us at times this season.”

In the front row, Scott Sio — a week on from his final appearance at Sandy Park — starts alongside hooker Max Norey and Josh Iosefa-Scott. Dafydd Jenkins captains the side from the second row alongside Andrea Zambonin, who was named in the Premiership Team of the Season this week. Tom Hooper and Christ Tshiunza complete the back row around Fisilau.

Stephen Varney, freshly named Exeter Chiefs Supporters’ Club Player of the Season, starts at scrum-half with Harvey Skinner at fly-half. Len Ikitau, returning to The Rec for the first time this season after an injury kept him out of January’s visit, partners Henry Slade in the centres.