Devoto braced for physical onslaught from Roberts
FIRED-UP Exeter centre Ollie Devoto is relishing his head-to-head with Wales veteran Jamie Roberts as Chiefs aim for the win that will guarantee a top-four finish.
Devoto’s midfield dingdong is one of a number of key battle grounds in a match Bath know they must win to keep any realistic dreams of a play-off place alive.
There is no respite for Exeter’s international stars with England trio Henry Slade, Jack Nowell and Harry Williams recalled from the off while Luke Cowan-Dickie, Wales Grand Slam winner Tomas Francis and Scotland’s Sam Skinner will see action from the bench.
One further Exeter change sees Australian No.9 Nic White start ahead of Jack Maunder.
Ahead of his showdown with Roberts, former Bath centre Devoto told The Rugby Paper: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge. “Jamie’s a British Lion first and foremost, incredibly experienced and a big guy as well, so he’ll bring a real physical presence which we’ve looked at.
“Bath are fighting for the top four and beat Saracens last time out so they’ll come here confident. “In the first 20 minutes especially, we’ve got to work our way around their physicality and win all of our battles because we know they’ll throw everything at us.”
Chiefs head into the match on top of the Premiership after making light of the absence of their internationals to claim 15 points from 20 during the Six Nations period.
Devoto added: “It’s all about us building momentum now and we’ve had good wins at Sale and Worcester recently. With your internationals away, those games can be banana skins so it’s good that we’ve got all the guys back now and can move on again.
“There’s been a good vibe in training and there’s a lot of competition for places with just the league to concentrate on. We would rather still be in Europe and that’s a regret, but league-wise we’re in a great position and aim to attack our remaining games.”
Heavyweight wing Joe Cokanasiga returns for Bath after England duty in a side showing seven changes to the one that defeated Saracens.
Roberts recovers from a knock to partner Jonathan Joseph in midfield, while up front Elliott Stooke is restored at lock alongside Charlie Ewels and a newlook back row features Tom Ellis, Francois Louw –who signed a contract extension this week – and energetic No.8 Zach Mercer.
There is good news for England with flanker Sam Underhill named among the replacements after recovering from ankle surgery.
NEALE HARVEY
