Finn Russell's Injury Forces Bath to Revamp Lineup for Semi-Final Against Exeter
Bath faces a significant setback as Finn Russell is ruled out of the Gallagher Premiership semi-final against Exeter Chiefs due to a calf injury. Russell, who missed the last two rounds of the regular season, was initially expected to be fit for the crucial playoff match at the Rec. In his absence, Santiago Carreras will take the fly-half position, while the team also suffers from the unavailability of Guy Pepper, impacting Bath's back row depth. However, Tom Dunn and Quinn Roux return to the tight five after serving suspensions, with Director of Rugby Johann van Graan opting for a traditional six forwards and two backs on the bench. Exeter Chiefs also face challenges, missing Ethan Roots, who is under return-to-play protocols following a head injury incurred against Saracens. On a positive note, Greg Fisilau returns to bolster the lineup, although Immanuel Feyi-Waboso remains sidelined after recent facial surgery. The winner of this pivotal clash will advance to the final at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, where they will face either Northampton or Leicester, who meet in the first semi-final on Friday night. Bath's Starting XV against Exeter Chiefs: 1 Beno Obano 2 Tom Dunn 3 Thomas du Toit 4 Quinn Roux 5 Charlie Ewels 6 Josh Bayliss 7 Sam Underhill 8 Alfie Barbeary 9 Ben Spencer (c) 10 Santi Carreras 11 Henry Arundell 12 Max Ojomoh 13 Ollie Lawrence 14 Joe Cokanasiga 15 Tom de Glanville Exeter's Starting XV: 1 Scott Sio 2 Max Norey 3 Josh Iosefa-Scott 4 Dafydd Jenkins (capt.) 5 Andrea Zambonin 6 Tom Hooper 7 Christ Tshiunza 8 Greg Fisilau 9 Stephen Varney 10 Harvey Skinner 11 Campbell Ridl 12 Len Ikitau 13 Henry Slade 14 Paul Brown-Bampoe 15 Olly Woodburn.
Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-06-12