Exeter may not run away with it on trip to Bath

Bath v Exeter
BT Sport 1, 7.45pm Friday

Exeter have made an excellent start to the season, missing out on one try-bonus point in winning all five games.

They have not lost on the road in the Premiership since February and they were the last side to win at the Rec in March.

But hosts Bath are the best bet getting a start of eight points from the Chiefs.

Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder has named a much stronger side than the one dismantled 50-27 by champions and leaders Saracens on Saturday, more akin to the line-ups who enjoyed wins over Northampton and Harlequins and drew 31-31 with Gloucester.

Supreme flanker Francois Louw has jetted back to South Africa for their Test with New Zealand but back into the Bath pack come internationals Taulupe Faletau, Dave Attwood, Zach Mercer and their best available front row.

Behind the scrum, the livewire Joe Cokanasiga, Cooper Vuna and Jackson Willison are among the returnees while Freddie Burns gets a run out at full-back.

Exeter, who have won 20-18 and 17-11 on their last two visits to the Rec, possess the forward talent to overcome injuries to Sam Simmonds and Jonny Hill but boss Rob Baxter's decision to start Gareth Steenson at fly-half hints at a pragmatic approach.

Recommendation
Bath +8
1pt 10-11 Coral, Ladbrokes

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