‘Classy Chiefs an unbelievable side’

Gloucester head coach Skivington prepared for ‘a really big challenge’ at Kingsholm

GEORGE Skivington describes Exeter as an “unbelievable outfit” and insists the Chiefs’ indifferent start to their Gallagher Premiership campaign will only make them more dangerous when they take on Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm this evening.

The Cherry & Whites and Exeter sit fifth and sixth in the table with 17 and 15 points respectively, having each won three out of six matches so far this season.

And while that record represents a reasonable start for Gloucester, it is below expectations for the Chiefs who lost their opening two games of the season and then crashed 33-21 at home to London Irish last weekend.

Skivington, however, is not taking anything for granted.

“They are definitely a massive threat,” he said. “Losing last week to London Irish, that will sharpen their tools as well. I don’t think that they needed them sharpening, though, because they are an unbelievable outfit and they are the benchmark for building a club.

“They’ve done a great job and they’ve got the trophies off the back of it, with countless finals and great experience. They’ve been there and done it for the past ten years in the Premiership, which is outstanding.

“They know how to win a game of rugby. They’ve got power up front and class and really good gamemanagement. It’s a really big challenge for us and a really tough Friday night, but it’s exciting because we get to find out where we are.”

Head coach Skivington, pictured, has made five changes to the starting XV which beat Newcastle Falcons last time out, with Fraser Balmain,