Newcastle v Exeter predictions and rugby union tips: Chiefs can grind it out

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Newcastle Falcons v Exeter Chiefs in the Gallagher Premiership on Sunday.

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 3pm Sunday

Best bets

Exeter to win by one to 12 points
1pt 13-8 Boyles

Jack Innard to score a try
1pt 6-4 bet365, Hills

Match preview

Despite an inconsistent season, the top four has loomed into view for Exeter and they have the chance to put the pressure on the sides above them with victory at Newcastle.

The Chiefs snapped a three-game losing streak with an impressive victory over playoff hopefuls Gloucester last weekend and are expected to back that up against a Falcons side who haven’t won a Premiership game since November’s shock 15-14 defeat of the Chiefs at Sandy Park.

That was the high point of Newcastle’s good start to the campaign but a lack of cutting edge that’s seen them register a league-low 255 points has since conspired to drop them down the table to 12th.

Newcastle’s points-scoring problems won’t be helped by the forecast wet weather at Kingston Park - conditions that favour Exeter’s conservative style.

A narrow Chiefs success - seven of Exeter's eight league wins have been by ten points or fewer - handed to them by the forwards looks the most likely outcome with the Falcons pack having been pushed around by some of the Premiership’s bigger sides.

With the forwards likely to see a lot of the ball, Exeter hooker Jack Innard appeals as a try-scoring option. Innard has grasped his chance in the absence of England international Luke Cowan-Dickie, scoring three tries in his last four Premiership outings.

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