New Chief Kvesic gets chance to show he’s up to speed after summer transfer

EXETER flanker Matt Kvesic is handed a golden chance to remind England of his credentials as he dons the No.7 jersey for today’s clash at Saracens.

Chiefs’ summer signing from Gloucester finds himself in direct confrontation with indomitable Sarries pair Schalk Burger and Calum Clark as Rob Baxter’s side aim to consolidate top spot.

Kvesic said: “I’ve played against Burger and Clark before and it will be a good challenge. Saracens are missing a few but they’ve still got quality players like Schalk Brits, who is basically another back rower, and they’re good from 1-23.

“We’ve got to be on our game to make sure we come through with a win.”

An eye-catching display against the European champions could aid Kvesic’s Red Rose cause.

However, he added: “It’s always an opportunity, but I know where I sit and I’m a realist. Obviously I’d love to be playing in that environment, but my priority is to string some games together here and to really start enjoying my rugby.

“I’m genuinely not focused on England right now because I’m a long way from that, but I’m only 25 so there’s still time to push back in.”

Kvesic replaces Julian

Salvi as one of three starting changes, with Greg Holmes relieving Moray Low at tight-head and Sam Hill given the nod over Ollie Devoto at No.12.

Kvesic has had to bide his time at Chiefs since his summer move from Gloucester. He explained: “Not many lads come into Exeter and crack on right from the get-go and I came down to a team that had just won the Premiership. The back row is incredibly competitive so I didn’t expect to walk right in.

“It’s been a big learning process adapting to Exeter’s high-intensity play, but I’ve had a few games now and everything’s been positive. I’ll get another good opportunity against Saracens and then hope to really kick-on.”

With both Owen Farrell and Alex Lozowski on England duty, Max Malins gets the call at fly-half as Saracens ring the changes following last week’s loss at Gloucester.

Forwards Vincent Koch and Jackson Wray are handed starts, while Nathan Earle and Ben Spencer join Malins in the backs.

Spencer, who rotates with Richard Wigglesworth, said: “Exeter have been brilliant for a number of years and proved it by what they did last season, but we enjoy challenges and will step it up today.”