Exeter Chiefs vs Harlequins Prediction: Chiefs’ new boys can inspire victory

After a couple of tough seasons, it could be a new dawn for Exeter Chiefs, who are set to be further strengthened by a couple of Australian arrivals when Harlequins visit on Sunday (15:00 BST, TNT Sports 1).

Below are my Exeter Chiefs vs Harlequins predictions, supported by team news and match odds.

Wallabies Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper are selected to make their debuts, coming into the side after last week's 18-14 loss at Bristol.

The Chiefs had previously recovered from 33-7 down to draw 33-33 at Northampton before beating Newcastle Red Bulls 38-15 in their sole home game.

Quins lost coach Danny Wilson to Wales just weeks before the season started and were then on the wrong end of an opening 47-31 defeat to Bath and a 29-19 reverse at Leicester.

They hit back last Sunday to beat Saracens 20-14 and have won four of the last five meetings with Exeter, including both of last season's fixtures.

However, they have lost their last six away games in all competitions and could come unstuck against the Chiefs and their new Aussie stars.

Team News

Exeter hand debuts to Wallabies pair Ikitau at inside centre and Hooper at blindside flanker.

Hooker Joseph Dewba comes into the side, swapping places with Jack Yeandle, who is on the bench, while full-back Josh Hodge is available after a ban.

Quins make two changes, with Stephen Lewies starting in the second row, while Luke Northmore is selected at outside centre.

Former Exeter prop Harry Williams starts at tighthead, returning to Sandy Park where he spent eight years before moving to France for spells with Montpellier and Pau.

Exeter Chiefs vs Harlequins Odds

Exeter are 2/5 to win on Sunday, with Quins 21/10 and the draw 18/1.

The three-way handicap is set at seven points, with Exeter -7 available at 20/21, while the Chiefs' Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who has five tries already this season, is 4/6 anytime and 15/2 first tryscorer.

Exeter to win by over 12 points @ 17/10

Quins' game plan of kicking the ball away, especially into the low sun, shocked Saracens, forcing turnovers as the visiting players regularly found themselves fumbling the ball when unsighted.

Sunday's forecast is for wet weather, which may negate that tactic, while Feyi-Waboso and Hodge run the ball back in a manner that can hurt sides.

After losing four British & Irish Lions in the summer of 2023 to comply with salary cap rules, Exeter's rebuild has taken time. However, the arrivals of Dweba, Hooper, and Ikitau add real quality and depth.

The mood has been lifted at Sandy Park, and the Chiefs can record another healthy victory against a team that struggles on the road.

Cadan Murley anytime tryscorer @ 5/4

There could, however, be some joy for Quins, with captain Cadan Murley leading the team from the left wing.

Feyi-Waboso's defensive attributes don't match his attacking excellence, and Murley has fond memories of facing Exeter, having touched down in both of last season's meetings.

With England boss Steve Borthwick naming his squad for the November Tests on Sunday, the 26-year-old is tipped to make an impact in Devon.

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