Hooper returns from Wallabies duty as Exeter seek first win against Newcastle

Tom Hooper returns to the Exeter Chiefs squad after international duty with the Wallabies as Rob Baxter’s side host Newcastle Red Bulls at Sandy Park on Sunday, looking to record their first Gallagher Premiership win of the season.

Hooper, who was a key figure in Exeter’s run to last season’s Premiership final, flew back from Australia earlier in the week and is named among the replacements. The Chiefs make just two changes from the side beaten at Bath last weekend: Ross Vintcent comes in at openside flanker, with Wales international Kane James dropping to the bench, while Sam Harris replaces Olly Woodburn at full-back after Woodburn suffered an ankle knock at the Rec.

Director of rugby Rob Baxter struck a measured tone ahead of the fixture, insisting he was broadly satisfied with the two points his side collected in Bristol despite the defeat. “Two points at Bath was a decent return,” Baxter said. “In most seasons, but especially the most recent few, that’s a good return from going to The Rec. Only collecting one point the week before in a home game makes things a little more challenging, but if we can get a win and have seven or eight points from three weeks in, then things start to look back on track.”

Baxter also warned his players not to underestimate a Newcastle side that impressed in their recent meeting with Leicester Tigers. “They’re clearly a very dangerous side. They’ve got some real strength and quality individuals in there, while they’re still learning a little how to come together as a team. We’ve got to just decide to be very good.”

Newcastle name a strong line-up of their own, with former All Black Hoskins Sotutu among the replacements and captain Tom Christie leading the side from the back row. Christian Wade and Werner Kok provide pace on the wings, while Zack Henry starts at fly-half.

Exeter Chiefs: Sam Harris; Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Henry Slade, Will Butt, Tommy Wyatt; Harvey Skinner, Stephen Varney; Ethan Burger, Jack Yeandle, Josh Iosefa-Scott, Harry Wilson, Dafydd Jenkins (c), Ethan Roots, Ross Vintcent, Greg Fisilau. Replacements: Louie Gulley, Will Goodrick-Clarke, Bachuki Tchumbadze, Tom Hooper, Kane James, Sam Wolstenholme, Will Haydon-Wood, Zack Wimbush.

Newcastle Red Bulls: Harrison Obatoyinbo; Christian Wade, Alex Hearle, Sammy Arnold, Werner Kok; Zack Henry, Simón Benítez Cruz; Pouri Rakete-Stones, Zuriel Togiatama, Elliot Millar Mills, Oscar Usher, Cam Jordan, Max Hicks, Tom Christie (c), Hoskins Sotutu. Replacements: Samson Adejimi, Adam Brocklebank, James Harper, Franco Molina, Ollie Leatherbarrow, Sam Graham, James Elliott, Brett Connon.