Stephen Varney returns for Exeter's Anglo-Welsh clash vs Cardiff

Italy international Stephen Varney has recovered from the knock he suffered vs Bath in the Gallagher PREM and is named in Exeter’s starting XV vs Cardiff at Sandy Park on Saturday.

It is welcome news for not only Exeter, but also Italy, given the fact the start of the Six Nations is just under three weeks away.

Varney came off the worse for wear when he was steamrollered by Bath winger Will Muir at the start of the year and missed last weekend’s 27-25 Challenge Cup defeat to Stade Francais.

However, he is now back and ready to renew his blossoming half-back partnership with Harvey Skinner, with Will Haydon-Wood shifting to inside centre.

Henry Slade continues at 13, while a dynamic back three sees Paul Brown-Bampoe and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on the wings and Olly Woodburn at full-back.

Having scored a brace against Stade Francais in Paris, Scott Sio packs down at loosehead with hooker Joseph Dweba and tighthead Bachuki Tchumbadze.

Captain Dafydd Jenkins prepares to come up against a number of his Wales teammates as he partners Andrea Zambonin in the second row.

England hopeful Greg Fisilau is rested, making way for Kane James at No.8 The youngster packs down with Tom Hooper on the blindside and Ethan Roots on the openside.

Ben Hammersley returns from injury to take his place on the bench, as Exeter chase a home draw in the Round of 16.

Exeter Chiefs v Cardiff (Sandy Park, ko 1pm):

15 Olly Woodburn; 14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Will Haydon-Wood, 11 Paul Brown-Bampoe; 10 Harvey Skinner, 9 Stephen Varney; 1 Scott Sio, 2 Joseph Dweba, 3 Bachuki Tchumbadze, 4 Dafydd Jenkins (c), 5 Andrea Zambonin, 6 Tom Hooper, 7 Ethan Roots, 8 Kane James

Replacements: 16 Julian Heaven, 17 Will Goodrick-Clarke, 18 Jimmy Roots, 19 Rusi Tuima, 20 Lewis Pearson, 21 Richard Capstick, 22 Charlie Chapman, 23 Ben Hammersley.