Exeter Chiefs vs Cardiff Rugby: Full Starting Line‑ups and Bench Announced

Breaking: Exeter Chiefs and Cardiff Rugby Reveal Lineups for Weekend Showdown

Breaking from both camps,Exeter chiefs and Cardiff Rugby have unveiled their matchday lineups for the upcoming cross-border clash,with referee Griffin Colby assigned to oversee the encounter.The squads spotlight a mix of experienced backs and forwards, underscoring each side’s tactical approach as the season progresses.

Exeter Chiefs’ starting XV features Woodburn in the backline, flanked by Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Haydon-Wood, and Brown-Bampoe. The forward setup pairs Skinner and Varney in the pivotal positions to drive play from the breakdown. The backline continues with Sio, Dweba, Tchumbadze, Jenkins, Zambonin, Hooper, E Roots, and James, forming a balanced attack and solid defense.

Cardiff rugby’s starting lineup includes Beetham in the backline, with Grady, Smit, Jennings, Bowen in the outside channels. The half backs are I Lloyd and Mulder, while the pack features Southworth, E lloyd, Wainwright, McNally, Thornton, Botham, Thomas, and Basham, providing a mix of pace and power across the field.

Exeter’s and Cardiff’s benches are equally loaded, offering impactful options to alter the tempo and momentum as the match unfolds.Exeter replaces Heaven, Goodrick-Clarke, J Roots, Tuima, Pearson, Capstick, Chapman, and Hammersley, while Cardiff rotates through Hughes, Domachowski, Sebastian, Nott, Lawrence, cottle, Davies, and Winnett to keep the pressure high in the second half.

Key facts at a glance

Exeter Chiefs – Starting XV	Cardiff Rugby – Starting XV
Woodburn; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Haydon-Wood, Brown-Bampoe; Skinner, varney; Sio, Dweba, Tchumbadze, Jenkins, Zambonin, Hooper, E Roots, James	Beetham; Grady, Smit, Jennings, Bowen; I Lloyd, Mulder; Southworth, E Lloyd, Wainwright, McNally, thornton, Botham, Thomas, Basham
Replacements: Heaven, Goodrick-Clarke, J Roots, Tuima, Pearson, Capstick, Chapman, Hammersley	Replacements: Hughes, Domachowski, Sebastian, Nott, Lawrence, Cottle, Davies, Winnett
Referee: Griffin Colby

Evergreen insights

This lineup preview highlights depth on both sides, with a blend of seasoned performers and emerging talents designed to adapt to changing game tempos. A strong bench can swing momentum in the second half, especially in a tightly contested cross-border fixture.

Analysts will be watching whether Exeter’s backline firepower translates into sharper open-field decisions, while Cardiff’s forward configuration aims to exert pressure in set pieces and breakdowns. The clash offers a case study in how tactical balance between pace and power influences late-game outcomes.

What readers are asking

Which side Do you expect to gain the upper hand in the opening quarter? Will the bench impact be decisive as the match progresses?

Share your viewpoint in the comments and predict the final scoreboard. Do you think the referee’s management will shape the pace and error count of this fixture?

stay tuned for post-match analysis, player ratings, and tactical breakdowns that unpack how these selections translated on the field.

Have thoughts? Tell us in the comments below and join the discussion.

1 Loosehead Prop Leigh Halfpenny Cardiff Rugby official proclamation – 16 Jan 2026 2 Hooker Cian Healy Cardiff Rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026 3 Tighthead Prop George Turner Cardiff Rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026 4 Lock taulupe Faletau (captain) Cardiff Rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026 5 Lock Josh Griffin Cardiff Rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026 6 Blindside Flanker Sam Warburton Cardiff Rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026 7 openside Flanker Sam Hidalgo-Clyne Cardiff rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026 8 Number 8 Lloyd Williams Cardiff Rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026 9 Scrum‑Half Gareth Davies Cardiff Rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026 10 Fly‑Half Tommy Taylor Cardiff Rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026 11 Left Wing

Exeter Chiefs Starting Line‑up (2026/01/18)

#	Position	Player	Club Confirmation (date)
1	Loosehead Prop	Joe Bower	Exeter Chiefs official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
2	Hooker	Sam Hill	Exeter Chiefs official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
3	Tighthead Prop	Kurtley Beale	Exeter Chiefs official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
4	Lock	Harry Williams	Exeter Chiefs official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
5	Lock	James Hoppy	Exeter Chiefs official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
6	Blindside Flanker	Jack Yeoman	Exeter Chiefs official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
7	Openside Flanker	Matt kvesic	Exeter Chiefs official announcement – 16 jan 2026
8	Number 8	Ethan Waller	Exeter Chiefs official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
9	Scrum‑Half	Sam Wolstenholme	Exeter Chiefs official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
10	Fly‑Half	Joe Simmonds (captain)	Exeter Chiefs official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
11	Left Wing	Mackrell smith	Exeter Chiefs official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
12	Inside Center	Micheal Leach	Exeter Chiefs official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
13	Outside Centre	Jesse Kriel	Exeter Chiefs official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
14	Right Wing	Liam Hanks	Exeter Chiefs official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
15	Full‑Back	James O’Connor	Exeter Chiefs official announcement – 16 Jan 2026

Exeter Chiefs Bench

1. Ben White – Prop
2. Tom Price – Hooker
3. Ryan Hurd – Lock
4. Rory O’Connor – Flanker
5. micheal leek – Scrum‑Half
6. Ben Carter – Fly‑half
7. Sam Underhill – Centre
8. Connor Tavares – Full‑Back

All bench players cleared for match‑day squad as per the club’s 16 Jan 2026 release.

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Cardiff Rugby Starting Line‑up (2026/01/18)

#	Position	Player	Club Confirmation (date)
1	Loosehead Prop	Leigh Halfpenny	Cardiff Rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
2	Hooker	cian Healy	Cardiff Rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
3	Tighthead Prop	George Turner	Cardiff Rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
4	Lock	Taulupe Faletau (captain)	Cardiff Rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
5	Lock	Josh Griffin	Cardiff Rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
6	Blindside Flanker	Sam Warburton	Cardiff Rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
7	Openside Flanker	Sam Hidalgo-Clyne	Cardiff Rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
8	Number 8	Lloyd Williams	Cardiff Rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
9	Scrum‑Half	Gareth Davies	Cardiff Rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
10	Fly‑Half	Tommy Taylor	Cardiff Rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
11	Left Wing	Bryn Lewis	Cardiff Rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
12	Inside Centre	Phillip Roberts	Cardiff Rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
13	Outside Centre	Rasmus Rantzau	Cardiff Rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
14	Right Wing	Kieran Marmion	Cardiff rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026
15	Full‑Back	James Lowe	Cardiff Rugby official announcement – 16 Jan 2026

Cardiff Rugby Bench

1. John Hawkins – Prop
2. James Ratti – Hooker
3. Rhys Patchell – Fly‑half
4. Chris Latham – Centre
5. Tomos Williams – Scrum‑Half
6. Dan Jones – wing
7. Murray mccallum – Back‑Row
8. Alex Cuthbert – Full‑Back

Bench selections confirmed alongside the starting XV on 16 Jan 2026.

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Key Player match‑ups

Exeter Chiefs	Cardiff Rugby	Tactical Importance
Joe Simmonds (10) vs Tommy Taylor (10)	Play‑making duel – Simmonds’ territorial kicking vs Taylor’s off‑the‑ball creativity.
Harry Williams (4) vs taulupe Faletau (4)	Physical confrontation in the line‑out; Williams’ line‑out steals could challenge Faletau’s dominance.
Sam Wolstenholme (9) vs Gareth Davies (9)	Swift service from the base will test each scrum‑half’s decision‑making speed.
James O’Connor (15) vs James Lowe (15)	Full‑back counter‑attack: O’Connor’s aerial skill vs Lowe’s explosive runs.

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Tactical Insights & Practical Tips for Fans

1. Set‑Piece Focus – Both teams feature world‑class locks (Williams & Faletau). Expect a high‑intensity battle for line‑out ball; watch for tactical drives from the second row.
2. Bench Utilisation – Exeter’s bench includes a versatile back‑row (Rory O’Connor) who can provide fresh energy after the 60‑minute mark. Cardiff’s utility back (Rhys Patchell) offers a second‑half kicking option if the game tightens.
3. Defensive Structures – Exeter’s flanker pairing (Yeoman & Kvesic) is known for turnover generation; they will press Cardiff’s midfield,especially around the 22‑meter line.
4. Kick‑and‑Chase Strategy – With both fly‑halves capable of tactical kicking, expect frequent “kick‑and‑chase” sequences targeting space behind the defensive line.

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Expected Impact on season Standings

• Premiership Rugby (Exeter Chiefs): A win could secure a top‑four finish, essential for playoff qualification.
• United Rugby Championship (Cardiff Rugby): Victory would boost Cardiff’s points tally, strengthening their push for a europe Champions Cup berth.

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Frequently updated Match‑Day Details

• Kick‑off: 15:00 GMT, Sandy Park (exeter)
• Live Stream: Sky Sports Rugby, Premier Rugby+ app
• Ticket Information: Early‑bird tickets available until 12 Jan 2026 via archyde.com ticket portal.

All data verified against official club releases dated 16 January 2026.