The Cherry and Whites are returning to home soil this weekend, with Exeter Chiefs the visitors to Kingsholm Stadium for Round Four of the Heineken Champions Cup under the Friday Night Lights (KO 7.45pm)
After back-to-back victories, the Cherry and Whites will be keen to pick up a crucial victory against their West Country rivals.
Here are some players to keep an eye on this weekend.
Franco Mostert
The South African makes his first start for the Cherry and Whites this weekend in the engine room of the second row. This will be Mostert’s first meaningful run out at Kingsholm after a short cameo last time out against Worcester Warriors, and he will be keen to make his mark in front of the home crowd.
Sam Skinner
The recently capped Scottish international moves from the back row to the second row this weekend, and combines an energy around the park, with a strong carrying game.
Last Time Out
Exeter Chiefs 19-27 Gloucester Rugby
Form Guide
Gloucester Rugby will go top of Heineken Champions Cup Pool 2 on Friday night if they can overcome Exeter Chiefs at Kingsholm Stadium, live on BT Sport.
Exeter have gone four games without a win in the tournament.
Only once before have Gloucester hosted Premiership opposition in Europe’s top flight, losing 28-9 to Harlequins in November 2011.
Exeter have picked up just four away wins from 17 games, with those wins coming in Wales and France.
Exeter’s only previous away game against Premiership opposition was their last minute 24-25 loss to Wasps in the 2016 quarter-final.
Santiago Cordero has beaten more defenders than any other player this season, including an impressive 17 last weekend.
Team News
Gloucester Rugby
15. Jason Woodward, 14. Charlie Sharples, 13. Henry Trinder, 12. Owen Williams, 11. Ollie Thorley, 10. Danny Cipriani, 9. Willi Heinz (capt); 1. Josh Hohneck, 2. Jaco Visagie, 3. Fraser Balmain; 4. Ed Slater; 5. Franco Mostert; 6. Freddie Clarke, 7. Gareth Evans, 8. Ben Morgan
Replacements
16. Henry Walker, 17. Alex Seville, 18. Ciaran Knight; 19. Gerbrandt Grobler, 20. Alex Craig; 21. Callum Braley, 22. Matt Banahan, 23. Tom Hudson
Exeter Chiefs
15. Joe Simmonds, 14. Santiago Cordero, 13. Ian Whitten, 12. Sam Hill, 11. Tom O’Flaherty, 10. Gareth Steenson, 9. Jack Maunder; 1. Alec Hepburn, 2. Jack Yeandle (capt), 3. Tomas Francis; 4. Dave Dennis, 5. Sam Skinner; 6. Sean Lonsdale, 7. Don Armand, 8. Tom Lawday
Replacements
16. Elvis Taione, 17. Ben Moon, 18. Harry Williams; 19. Mitch Lees, 20. Wilhelm van der Sluys, 21. Sam Maunder, 22. Ollie Devoto, 23. Phil Dollman.
Match Officials
Ref: Mathieu Raynal (France)
Assis Ref 1: Vincent Blasco Baqué (France)
Assis Ref 2: Cedric Marchat (France)
TMO: Denis Grenouillet (France)
How To Follow
This Friday’s game is live on television, on BT Sport, and there will be live commentary via BBC Radio Gloucestershire who will in place at Kingsholm Stadium.
Follow all of the club channels for live updates on the Gloucester Rugby app (iOS / Android), matchday live blog, Twitter and behind the scenes on Instagram.
Enjoy the game!
News
Match Preview – Gloucester Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Match Preview – Gloucester Rugby v Exeter Chiefs