1
'He's in some form at the moment; I think he's the best 12 in the world'
5
{{item.n}}
Exeter issue mixed injury update on Test locks
Comment
Share 
Exeter Chiefs’ boss Rob Baxter has issued a mixed injury update on his first-choice locks, Wales international Dafydd Jenkins and Italy’s Andrea Zambonin, ahead of the new season.
The pair both underwent shoulder operations over the summer. Jenkins’ date with the surgeon’s scalpel came following the Gallagher PREM final loss to Northampton Saints, while Zambonin’s came after he returned from the Nations Championship.
Baxter says that, because Jenkins was ruled out of the Wales summer Tests against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa, he should be back for the PREM opener against Gloucester on September 26th, but Zambonin will miss the first block of the new season.
VIDEO
“Dafydd Jenkins should be there or thereabouts for the start of the Premiership season, which is fantastic for us. Zambo will be a bit behind. Obviously, he went away with Italy and had his operation post coming back from them.
“But he should be back post the autumn period, so he’ll miss that first block of games. But at the same time, you know, some of the guys have come in. Harry Wilson was trained exceptionally well for us.
“He has fitted in very, very well. I’ve been really pleased with how he’s gone. Obinna Nkwocha has come in. We’ve had to take a little bit more time with him, because he had an Achilles injury a while ago.
“We’re still getting him up to speed on a gradual process as we reload him. And obviously, guys like Lewis Pearson are still there, who spent a lot of PREM rugby. You know, there’ll be a weight on these guys’ shoulders to fill those voids.
“And now is the time for a cover by young carry players. Guys like Joe Bailey, Oscar Beckerleg. This is their opportunity to start the season. They’re going to play some preseason games.
“If they go, well, they’re like to start a PREM season or be involved with PREM 23. That was part of the process we have to try and evolve if we want to become a longer-term successful club,” he said.
Watch Rugby's Greatest Rivalry LIVE
Two rugby giants collide. Stream live, replays and highlights free on RugbyPass TV.
