Exeter and Bulls in heavyweight clash

Both sides opened their campaigns last week with bonus-point victories, Vodacom Bulls beating Lyon 42-36 at home, and Exeter running out 27-12 winners on the road at Castres Olympique.

It is Heineken Champions Cup debutants Vodacom Bulls’ first match against Gallagher Premiership opposition in the competition, and the 2020 champions will offer a serious test at Sandy Park.

The Pool A match kicks off at 13:00 (UK & Irish time), and can be watched on ITV, BT Sport, SuperSport, beIN SPORTS and FloRugby.

Comeback o'clock ⏰ @JohnnySexton returns to the bench for @leinsterrugby, while @JakePolledri is back for @gloucesterrugby 😍 @madoshtambwe returns for @UBBrugby and @AmLukhanyo is back on @SharksRugby's bench 🔥#HeinekenChampionsCup team news ➡️ https://t.co/TAY8skUcGV pic.twitter.com/q3acalHdq6

— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) December 15, 2022

Key quotes

Exeter Chiefs prop Ben Moon: “If they’re anything like the South Africans we’ve got, then [they’ll bring] a lot of physicality. They tell us a lot of stories from back home. I’m sure they’ll live up to that.”

Vodacom Bulls coach Jake White: “I’ve worked the plan out, and we are going to stick to it. I think these boys who have just beaten Lyon are obviously chomping at the bit to go on tour and play against Exeter.”

Exeter Chiefs

• Exeter made more clear-outs at the ruck than any other team in Round 1 – although their ball retention at attacking rucks was 92 per cent, lower than everyone else apart from Ulster Rugby.
• They were dangerous on the attack in Round 1, either scoring a try or winning a penalty every time they entered the Castres 22 – the best rate of any team last week.
• The Chiefs are now on a three-match winning streak in all competitions.

Vodacom Bulls

• The Bulls scored two tries from scrums last week, a joint round-high, level with Sale Sharks.
• They have won all of their five most recent matches.